It’s been all of seven years since Ireland’s Réalta released their second album, the very good Clear Skies, in 2016. I enjoyed that one a lot and later on, as the years passed, wondered if that would be all from this fine band.
Thankfully, it was not, and even the lineup is still almost the same, with Brittany’s Loïc Bléjean now occupying the place formerly held by Aaron O’Hagan.
And the thing I’m most thankful about is the music. Réalta are in dazzling top form on Thing of the Earth, the band sounding exceptionally rich and powerful throughout and their arrangements of old war horses (The Wind That Shakes The Barley, Mulroy Bay and – believe it or not – Dylan’s Times They Are A-changing) meaningful and interesting; they even manage to make the Dylan song their own with a certain poignancy, with the world currently a horrifying mess, in desperate need of a change for the better.
Singer-songwriter Myles McCormack guests on the album as vocalist and co-writer and adds a nice touch to the proceedings.
Thing of the Earth is Irish folk music for the 2020’s: respectful of the past while confident and vibrant in its interpretation of the heritage. It’s one of the most enjoyable releases of 2023 and am I utterly delighted to see Réalta return to the recording studio.
Just one wish: don’t keep us waiting for another seven years! Please!
FolkNotes 