Album review: AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM – The Source

March 22nd, 2016 by jason

ECC Records [Release date 29.04.16]

Before starting this review a disclaimer of sorts in that this is one version of the Afro Celt Sound System (ACSS). The band reunited last year, however Simon Emmerson announced he was leaving and formed this version of the ACSS, along with N’Faly Kouyate and Johnny Kalsi (the Dohl Foundation). The other version is fronted by James McNally and Martin Russell, who also plan to release a new album this year under the Afro Celt Sound System name. All of course is subject to the outcome of current legal proceedings.

So onto the music and there are the usual sprinkling of guests, on this the first album of new ACSS music in ten years. One main collaborator who has a big influence in the album’s sound is acclaimed uillean pipes player Davy Spillane. His playing adds greatly to the Celtic air in the music, including ‘The Magnificent Seven’, which sees the band collaborate again with the Dohl Foundation.

N’Faly Kouyate vocals are truly outstanding, listening to them on ‘Cascade’ and ‘A Higher Love’ sweeps the listener away. Griogair adds in pipes and his rap/vocals – not always sure they work for me but then the ACSS has always been about taking in many worldwide musical influences and then melding them into their unique sound.

There is lots to explore and enjoy on each listen, be it the trad folk meets Clannad of ‘Where The Rivers Meet’ or the upbeat jazzy dance beat of ‘The Communicator’.

As a fellow music fan wisely said everyone needs a little bit of ACSS in their lives and good to have them back in action. Enjoyable and varied, celebrating the power of melding music from around the world. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)