Unlike Lack of Limits, An Cat Dubh is a German band that has a solid grasp on English and its nuances. On this, their seventh release An Cat Dubh employs an exclusively acoustic lineup that more closely resembles the Dubliners than their previous rock-oriented efforts. Predominantly comprised of traditional Irish tunes (including the suddenly trendy “Fields of Athenry”) LIGHT also tackles selections by Tommy Sands, Eric Bogle and Bruce Springsteen. This band fares better when the amps are turned up, however, this coffeehouse set works better than expected. And the sing-along nature of these songs would be accompanied nicely by a pint of Beamish or Sprecher Irish Stout (shameless local plug).

February 2005

Dave Sleger