Music diary, July 5, 2026
Irish folk music has in recent years grown a branch that sprouts very different interpretations of traditional music than we’re used to. The Gloaming and Lankum have created almost trance-inducing soundscapes based on folk music but sonically quite far travelled from the starting point.
Now Rattling Ark joins the front that expands the boundaries. The band consists of Kevin Murphy (Cello; Vocals), Thomas Haugh (Zithers; Drums; Percussion; Electronics), Lizzi Murtough (Cello, Vocals) and Aki (Nyckleharpa and Violyra). Already the instruments signal that something left of center is on the way.
And it is. Top of a Mountain first gave me a “what?” reaction but on the second spin, was decidedly woven into the aural tapestry. This is not music to be sung along in a pub but a very skillfully crafted experience where the Irish soil meets a different dimension. Not exactly spaced or spaced, the music of Rattling Ark lives in an exciting no man’s land between tradition and innovation.
Although electronics are involved, they don’t dominate or create an unnecessary “modern” feel to the music; they are wisely integrated into the soundscape of the acoustic instruments.
I find this very fascinating indeed and have found myself particularly liking the pieces I felt most alien at first listen. The six-minute Omos Silverskin especially, with its meandering cello intro and bass drone gradually inviting other instruments and human voices to join it and eventually bringing the music into a coherent kaleidoscope of colors and details and, with percussion’s entrance, grooves. Certain similarities of the psychedelic era Beatles are not too far.
That piece is just one example of the unexpected and adventurous nature of Rattling Ark, and I find myself coming back the album much more than I initially would have imagined. It maybe a bit challenging but also original and alluring if you give it a chance. Looking forward to future music from these guys!
FolkNotes 