The Rambling Boys
Album: What Next
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 16
Website: http://novantae.co.uk

Bringing a wealth of gigging and recording experience to the table, The Rambling Boys are just one of the reasons why the broad landscape of Irish trad. is in such a good place right now. A quartet of fearsome talent, in What Next, named after a tune from box player David Munnelly, they have produced a calling card that serves notice of intent which will, no doubt-and this is no criticism- be bettered by future releases.

The album opens with Pretty Fair Maid, a bluegrass inflected version of the classic "broken token" theme, sung by Gino Lupari. You have, of course by now guessed the ending. Sailor, gone for seven years, produces the ring, maiden cries, having promised lifelong loyalty, but not without some lovely fiddling from Sean Regan, and box work from the aforementioned Mr. Munnelly as inter-verse fills. Will Jobling, miner and labour activist, was the last man to be gibbeted in the Northeast of England, way back at the start of the 19th century, and Alan Burke's rendition of this sad tale is fiery and passionate, as befits the story.

There is much to admire here. Six songs, and five sets of tunes, all of the latter bearing an original imprint, would suggest that there is much to come from the band. Arrangements are inventive, production is given the lightest of touches, and the provenance of the players is beyond compare. This, coupled with an upcoming schedule of gigs -including an extensive tour of the southern hemisphere-that would choke a horse -augurs well for the future. End of year best- of- list?Certainly. File under "watch this space". Closely.

Oliver P. Sweeney.