The fourth album by this Scottish outfit continues in much the same fashion as their previous. Moody, rhythmic and highly textured instrumental music influenced by traditional Scottish fiddle tunes and judiciously accented with other worldbeat snippets. The brassy “Nordal Rumba” might be the most engaging selection on this album as it is accompanied by the Salsa Celtica horn section giving it a slight island feel. Actually, this record contains far less of the reggae, bluegrass and Mid-eastern motifs that peppered their previous efforts. However, Shooglenifty remains one of the more interesting bands in the loosely defined Celtic-rock arena.

November 2004

Review by: Dave Sleger