SLIDE OVERNEATH


11 Tracks, SDE003


The cover picture of this third album from Slide tells a huge story, the ensemble is now five with the addition of singer, Andrew Murray who so impressed us here at IMM with his own debut album last year. The lads are pictured in a black-panelled city centre bar, half full pints on the table, instruments cocked and ready for action, flight cases bearing red fragile stickers as if the band is now ready to launch out on the world.

The album was supported by Music Network who selected he lads as talents to be watched and nurtured, there is a feeling here in Ireland that they could be the next big thing. The album title comes from track four, a song by their fiddler, Daire Bracken 'Overneath the Moon' it has a very contemporary feel to it and is a gentle piece with simple guitar accompaniment and whistle breaks between the verses. This in a way sets the tone for the vocal elements of the album, impeccably delivered lines by Murray in his deep tenor voice all woven into d pleasing melodic fabric. Bouzouki player, Mick Broderick can write a good contemporary song also and in Murray he's found a voice to do justice to his lyrics on 'Just So Far Away'.

Long time fans of the band will no doubt want to hear about the instrumentals, these account for about half or the album time-wise, and there's d great feeling or space in the tunes this time out with lead instruments being allowed to lead and also the accompaniment working in melodic cycles around the central tunes. Mick Broderick has certainly taken a leaf out or Donal Lunny's book in that he uses the dynamics of the zook to build up complex layers of chopped counterpoint adding to the rhythmic tapestry that runs below the vibrant colours of the tune selections. There's some equally impressive bouzouki antics on 'King of the Mill' too. The opening track 'Spry Slides' demonstrates this layering in spades. If I had to select a favourite track it would be 'Les Polkas' this kicks off as a Breton inspired piece from Bracken which merges naturally into Sliabh Luachra polkas with Aogán Lynch on concertina rolling through the number with an understated swing, The most up tempo set is 'Ol' Man Lynch' again from Lynch on the concertina, a really infectious opening tune here in "Pour Liza Jane', like the Appalachian cousins decide to visit Ennis. Track ten '2 Minutes 2 Co', is a much bigger more full on sound, think Altan with a concertina instead of a box.

This album is so full of good material, tastefully played, and with a genuine acoustic sound that is refreshing to hear; although we don't get nearly enough of Éamonn De Barra's fine flute playing, his 'Black Pat's' from Tommy Peoples is a red-bull moment towards the end of the album.

In short the new five piece band are making their own music, writing their own songs, doing it all so well, like a good football team they play it wide, focus on the goal and keep the ball moving.

I expect they'll be clocking up air their miles when word gets out about this beauty.


Seán Laffey