Album review: DALLAHAN – Speak Of The Devil

www.dallahanmusic.com [Release date 16.06.23]

Dallahan base their sound not only on Scotland and Ireland’s traditional music scene, but drawing on the music of the Balkans and North America. Dallahan consists of Jack Badcock on guitar and vocals, Ciaran Ryan on banjo, mandolin and fiddle, Andrew Waite on accordion and Benedict Morris on fiddle, who replaced original fiddle player Jani Lang.

Dallahan have toured extensively in Europe and North America, establishing themselves internationally at such prestigious musical events as Milwaukee Irish Fest, Celtic Connections, Tonder Festival and more.

On top of that they have earned three nominations for ‘Folk Band of The Year’ in 2016, 2019 and 2022 and enjoyed collaborations such as with Dougie MacLean, a commissioned composition and collaboration with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at a WWI commemorative concert and also a concert in Kathmandu with Nepal’s folk music exponents, Kutumba.

It is perhaps their worldwide travels that help them in their own unique sound, that has the traditional Celtic music appeal of say the instrumental ‘Beaton’s', coupled with a song like ‘The Picture On The Wall’, that owes more to North America folk music.

They work so well of each other as listening to the fiddle, accordion and banjo interplay, coupled with a steady guitar rhythm, on ‘Alma’s’ shows.

The lively instrumental ‘Durbar Square’ is a real treat, as is indeed ‘Rude Spanish Soil’, which is based on Laurie Lee’s book, ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’.

There is definitely something in the Scottish water as we have had so many great bands and albums of late, including Skerryvore, Gnoss and now this latest one from Dallahan. Enjoy this wonderfully entertaining album and if you get a chance, catch them at one this year’s summer folk festivals. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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