author: Stanley H. Brooks
This is an eclectic slice of Celtic music--a potpourri of flute, whistle, guitar, fiddle, pipes, drums and vocals, "Cry for Unity," with a touch of electric guitar, is a slow-paced plea for an end to the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. "Gallant Band" praises the patriots who made it possible for Ireland to become a free nation, while a la similarly states it is time for all to experience peace, freedom and liberty. "Step Together" is an expatriate's remembrance of the small things that go a long way in forming community in rural Ireland while "I Want to Come Back" portrays the importance of and need to hold on to memories. "Here Comes the Night continues the theme of the warmth of distant but pleasant memories. The fiddle and percussion-backed "Life of the Party," jauntily detailing a road trip through the west of Ireland, has a catchy, pleasing rhythm. Nashville sounding "Bonfires," fueled by harmonica backing, with percussion and electric guitar touches, solidly captures the revelry of a 'fest in May' party.
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"Between Two Shores" is an eclectic slice of Celtic music.
author: Elizabeth Badurina
"Not like anything you hear elsewhere. Brendan is really breaking ground of his own design. (He features) songs that are inspired and hybridized from things like pub songs and jigs, but also a few that have country influences and rock 'n' roll beats. Normally, in works that feature this much diversity, there's a patchwork quilt feeling to them -- not so with O'Loughlin's offering. It retains a cohesive feel throughout the work, and maintains that quality the whole way through."
Rambles Cultural Arts Magazine.
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