Search - Solas :: Another Day

Solas Continues to Evolve

FaFaFoHi | Arlington, VA | 11/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like Solas' three previous albums, "Another Day" is a wonderful collection of traditional Irish tunes, original songs, and artfully done covers performed by a band whose Celtic chops are as sharp as ever. While some listeners may argue that Solas' forays into other genres is an abandonment of their Irish roots or a waste of their talent, this is simply not true. Solas is testament to the fact that truly great bands (e.g. the Beatles, U2) do not stand still. The jigs, reels, and Celtic language tunes included on "Another Day" clearly show that Solas still remains firmly rooted in Irish traditional music. But the orginal tunes and covers on the album are evidence of a band that is not afraid to take risks and push the bounds of traditional music. There are plenty of groups that will play jigs, reels, and hornpipes all day long. There are few bands, however, that can blend many different musical elements as effectively as Solas does on "Another Day" (and their previous three CDs for that matter). And when they do launch in to a set of traditional tunes, it's clear that Solas is among the best in the world."

No Comparison with High Energy First 3 CDs and DVD.

Michael | Placerville, CA USA | 10/11/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Maybe people of a different audience are hearing Solas for the first time, and there is a connection. My blessings. Seamus and Winnifred are immense musical talents and artists need to be true to their own heart. However, the new connection may also signal a connection with longtime Irish Traditional Music fans decreasing. I read the reviews,and then I listen to the music.

I don't hear John Doyle bouncing through incredible guitar chord arrangements. I don't hear Karen Casey's golden voice. The old formula that worked was high energy, snappy, toe tapping tracks followed by Karen's eyes shut, heartfelt melodies. Solas is simply a different group now after Karen and John left. The first album after the change, "Edge of Silence," seemed to signal a change of directions toward US music (Seamus now lives in the U.S.). A good comparison is "Wiggly Jigs," which would previously lead fans to expect real wiggle. Compare to the earliar "Sprogle Set." There is a real contrast between this album and their first three pioneering albums and DVD. The same energy can be heard in Liz Carrol's last two albums with John Doyle. My advice to anyone interested in hearing Solas at top form to try their early works. If the band wants to recapture its former loyal following, it needs someone bouncing to the beat and flat picking chords in fast paced arm swings like John and percussion. The old formula worked well and could work again."

Good, not worst, not best

J. TIMMERMAN | Lawson, NSW Australia | 06/03/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

""Another Day" sees Solas return pretty much to form after a rather wayward previous album "The Edge of Silence" where their traditional side took a backward step and the arrangements were lacklustre.The medley of reels "Bird In The Tree" which opens this album is a real rip-snorter - full, powerful and very Irish, setting the tone for an album which grabs the attention pretty consistently, with confident arrangements and performances. Again the compositions are a mix of traditional and non-traditional, but the overall style of the playing veers more towards the traditional this time. The songs are all sweetly performed by Deidre Scanlan and include Dan Fogelberg's "Scarecrow's Dream", Kieran Goss's "All That You Ask Me", Dougie Maclean's "This Love Will Carry" and a traditional Gaelic "Maire Mhills Bhrea". The instrumentals have plenty of zip and include traditional and original tunes.There's quite a lot to enjoy here and the sound is very rich and finely crafted, but for those demanding a more traditional, more Irish sound, go to their first three or four albums, which, despite having a rougher-edged sound, are in my opinion more involving."