Tír na nÓg: I Have Known Love

Fruits de Mer (Crustacean 49)

Tír na nÓg is an Irish prog folk band formed in Dublin in 1969 by Leo O'Kelly Sonny Condell. They made three albums in the early 70s and toured with bands like Fairport Convantion, Steeleye Span, Jethro Tull and Procol Harum. The duo went separate ways in 1974 but played again occasional shows in 1985, and since 2010 they have been more active again. Apart from a couple of compilations this EP is their first release since 1973 and the guys are in great form!

The four-track 7” EP starts off with the Silver Apples cover “I Have Known Love” originally released in 1969. This is of course totally different in style, but the track is very suitable for a minimal (vocals, acoustic guitar, fiddle, mbira) folk version and sounds just brilliant. I just love Leo’s lead vocals on this. The three other tracks are all originals. “You In Yellow” is a bit mystical, atmospheric track sung Sonny who also still has a great voice. “The Angelus” sounds like it was written in the early 70s and also has some tabla to give a little Eastern flavor. A real nice psych folk piece! “I Pick up the Birds” ends the EP and things get just a bit heavier since this one also has electric guitar. For you collectors out there: the promo CD-R also has a sunny, sort of jazzy bonus track “Andria”…

www.tirnanog-progfolk.com