World Music

KÍLA
Soisín
Kíla Records
****

On their ninth studio recording, Kíla pursue an altogether more blissed out state than their sometimes frantic default position. Soisínis an entirely instrumental album, inspired by Máire "Soishin" O'Halloran, who spent just three short years in Japan but made a deep impression there as a zen buddhist. Free of vocals apart from atmospheric chant from Dee Armstrong, Soisín is a buoyant, mood-enhancing collection of soundscapes. It swings from the Twin Peaks-esque opener, The Kissing Gate, to Colm O'Snodaigh's genteel flute-fuelled air Cluainín, inspired by Kíla's collaboration with James Brosnan, Blair Wing and the Smartlab researchers who hosted a wonderful jam session in the Science Gallery last year. One anticipates a second life for this music on the big screen; meanwhile, if it's head space you're after, then Soisínoffers endless room for basking in. www.kilarecords.com

Download tracks: Cluainín, The Bearna Waltz