The Irish traditional band FourWinds has returned with Allta, their second album, an exhilarating celebration of Ireland’s wild musical spirit. Recorded at Black Mountain Studios in Dundalk, Allta, meaning “wild” or “untamed” in Irish, feels as free and alive as the landscapes that inspired.
The band’s core lineup—Tom Delany (uilleann pipes, whistles, vocals), Caroline Keane (concertina, whistles, vocals), and Robbie Walsh (bodhrán, vocals)—is complemented by Alan Murray, Laura Kerr, and Barry Kerr to create a record that thrives from the co-musicianship and the joys that was passed between each other.
The album opens with “The Road to Cúl Ros,” a tune led by Caroline Keane’s concertina, with reed instruments joining in to create a lively, Irish pub-like atmosphere, embodying the organic, communal joy of Irish music.
“Men of the Sea” is a reflective song for the seas and the travelers penned by John Conolly and Bill Meek. Delany’s pipes and Walsh’s bodhrán create an oceanic ambiance, while warm, expressive vocals bring the narrative to life. The song feels like an old tale retold by the fire, reminding us of Ireland’s connection to the sea and the seafaring traditions that run deep in its culture.
“The Great Big Roaming Ass,” inspired by the tales of Robbie McMahon from Co. Clare, recounts the misadventures of a man and his rather scruffy donkey. Beginning with playful whistling, the song’s witty lyrics and minimal instrumentation let the story shine through.
The album closes with “The Slide to Lisdoonvarna,” a high-energy track that builds to an intense crescendo. Pipes and tapping drums set a rhythmic foundation, gradually layering sounds to create an impressive wall of sound.
With a major tour across Ireland, Europe, the U.S., and Canada in support of Allta, FourWinds is poised to captivate audiences around the world. Stay tuned for mch merriment ahead.
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Review by: Naomi Joan