STRINKADENN' YS

I would like to thank tszirmay for introducing me to this band.This is a concept album but with the lyrics in Gaelic it is really lost on me.This band is from northern France and they use a variety of instruments including trombone,flute and midi uillean pipes. It's hard to put these guys in one particular genre, as you can hear Folk, Symphonic, Celtic, Neo and more on this album.There are female and male vocals as well.

"Selaou" has a rather bombastic intro with guitar prevailing in an energetic fashion. Vocals before 3 minutes as the song becomes atmospheric. Male vocals come in and they are almost spoken.The guitar then cries out as female vocals are back. We get some piano before a guitar solo takes us to the end of the song.Thunder, rain and seagulls can be heard. "Dornskrid" opens with acoustic guitar melodies. It's still thundering as synths replace the guitar. Angelic vocals from Bleunwenn."Sovajed A-Feson" reminds me of IONA, even the vocals.The percussion is cool in this Celtic flavoured tune. "Naer Ar Galloud" has some great guitar in it including riffs and powerful melodies. "Hybr'ys" has some nice piano melodies, and later a PINK FLOYD sound (The Wall).The song eventually brightens and becomes hopeful.

"Kan Ker'ys" has some uillean pipes and heavy drums to end it. "Linvadenn" is the only song in the liner notes that has any English in it. Just below the title of this song it says "Falling down..." six times.The male vocals are very well done, and the ending is spooky and ominous. "Tad Ha Mamm" is my favourite. You can hear the seagulls and waves as the phone rings.The music is uptempo with synths. Guitar and drums lead the way. Flute comes in and is such a highlight as the song calms down. Female vocals come in, and the remainder of the song has an amazing melody. "Enora Ha Mael" is a ballad with female vocals and piano."Mall Eo Monet Da Ys" is another fantastic song.There are female vocals and aggressive guitar and drums.There is a GENESIS sounding passage, and the song and album end with a gong.

This is an ambitious project involving many musicians, and their passion can be heard through the music they create.