Music diary, March 21, 2026
Ah, Americans playing Irish (or any Celtic) music is something that always gives me a little boost. Maybe it’s the extrovert nature of American culture that seems to give their playing some extra edge.
I’ve enjoyed all of Floating Crowbar’s previous albums and with quite a few years behind them as a band, they play together like magic. Simply great stuff for anyone with any heart for Irish music.
The band has a wonderful page for this album on their website so I just advise you to check out all the detailed information on the album’s creation and specifics – including the album’s title story – here:
The Smoker’s Cut (2026)
As for the music, it’s just thoroughly enjoyable all the way through and I much appreciate the production: the sound is full and rich and audio layout between the instruments is perfect, good headphones will give you an immersive experience into Irish trad.
As I’m a hopeless romantic, my favorites here are the slower tracks with a really nice flow and atmosphere: Humors of Ballyconnell / Pol ha’Penny and the beautiful air The Bright Hollow Fog. But everything here is excellent stuff, right down my (completely fictional) Irish alley ☘️ 🎶❤️ and the cover art is great too!
FolkNotes 