Contemporary Irish folk trio Trí gets behind traditional roots of Irish music with their intriguing EP, When it Rains I am Home. With the talents of Irish lead singer, guitarist, and banjo player, Liam Quinn, Italian percussionist Fiorenzo Mengozzi, who handles bodhrán and other percussions, and fiddler Thomas Barbalonga, the album cultivates immersive stories with masterful instrumentals.
The EP opens with “Hugh O’Neill,” driven by the assertive strumming of guitars. Liam Quinn’s rich, deep voice commands attention, delivering lyrics with a weighty tone. The rhythmic smack of Fiorenzo’s percussion energizes the song. “Dunmore Lasses, Morning Dew” is a driving adventure into the Highlands with a hard-hitting rhythm section and whimsical woodwind tones that turn to strings, writhing fast against the rapping thumps of percussion.
“May Morning Dew” slows down the pace with its trailing strings and suspenseful vocal delivery. Quinn’s voice moves with a careful, almost cautious rhythm, matched by slow-tapping beats that build momentum before the strings intensify with emotional tension.
The rich instrumental piece “The Cousin of My Cousin Is Not My Cousin” highlights Trí’s range with a refreshing lightness and vibrancy and pulls you into the cultural dynamics of Irish folk. The tapping and clicking percussion, alongside relaxing string arrangements, create a bright, cheerful ambiance.
“The Cuckoo Comes in April, The Gooseberry Bush,” brings out the storyteller’s depth. The song feels softer and more reflective, with intertwining strings and guitars creating a gentle, soothing backdrop. A standout moment comes during the bridge, where a string solo races through fast, rippling notes, bringing a spark of intensity to an otherwise mellow track.
The EP closes with “Highland Fraser,” a song brimming with passion and narrative. Quinn’s rich vibrato, supported by powerful, rapping beats and swelling strings, emphasizes the urgency and drama of the strong, emotionally charged finale.
When it Rains I am Home is an eclectic and rich journey through folk music, reimagined through Trí’s contemporary lens. Listen to it on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan