When All Is Said And Done

Album review

Danu's sixth release finds the group going back to the more song-oriented format of 2003's Road Less Traveled. The talented Irish septet are masters of rustic playing and storytelling, relying on simple, immaculate arrangements and the rich alto of vocalist Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh to produce their own playful style of Celtic music that lacks even the slightest hint of pretension. Fiery instrumentals like "Around the House," "Coachman's Whip," and "Pots and Kettles O" showcase the group's exceptional playing while wistful ballads such as "Cailín Deas Crúite Na Mbó" and "Farewell, Angelina" allow Nic Amhlaoibh to flex her vocals, bringing to mind a less affected Máire Brennan or early June Tabor. There's not a bad apple to be found, and while the band breaks little new ground, they do the traditional aspects of the genre proud. When All Is Said and Done is another worthy addition to the Danu canon, and one that bears repeated listens around the fire on cold winter days.
© James Christopher Monger /TiVo