SeanchasDanú  * * *

Five years is a long time in recording terms, although in the interim, Danú singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh has been busy with a solo album and an acclaimed collection, Dual(with Julie Fowlis). She's also forged a reputation as an Irish-language TV presenter. Seanchas (lore/tradition) marks a robust return to the fray for Danú, and bears testament to the benefits of stepping away to replenish both repertoire and appetite. The fire of the live performance is writ large here, in particular on the west Kerry-influenced Glen Cottage Polka set. Danú's greatest asset is Nic Amhlaoibh's magnificently earthy voice, which even manages to breathe fresh life into the oft-jaded Boys of Barr na Sráide. Founding member Donnchadh Gough makes a welcome guest appearance on bodhrán, and the mix of accordion, bouzouki, flute and guitar tread a richly featured route through a firebrand tune collection. See danú.net

Download tracks: Malaí na gCuach Ní Chuilleanáin