THE BONNY MEN

The Broken Pledge is the third one, completely in the vein of the previous ones, delivering a cheerful and playful music that reminds us of their illustrious elders, Planxty or Bothy Band. A mix of traditional melodies and songs in Irish and English, their repertoire is both dynamic and subtle, always full of audacity. They are supported by Australian-born guitarist Steve Cooney who introduces the album on the didgeridoo before Maitiú Ó Casaide's uilleann pipes take over. The addition of a string trio as well as a percussionist on several tracks should also be noted.

The three songs here present plunge into history. Thus Tunnel Tigers which evokes the harsh living conditions of Irish workers forced to emigrate to build the London or the Glasgow undergrounds. It is also An tSean Bhean Bhocht, who looks back on the United Irishmen rebellion in 1798. And then The Sun is Burning which deals with the Hiroshima disaster in 1945. A song popularized many years ago by Luke Kelly and the Dubliners. Instrumentals add to the historical context, notably The Repeal of the Union / O'Connell's Trip to Parliament. As for The Broken Pledge, it pulsates with impressive dexterity and youthful exuberance. An essential album that testifies to the growing maturity of a band with obvious talent.

Bonnyhound BON 3 www.thebonnymen.ie