Fiddler’s Green – 25 Blarney Roses

Releasedate: 13-02-2015; Label: Deaf Shepherd Recordings
By: Basak Günel

Fiddler’s Green is a German folk/punk band. Formed in 1990, the band’s music is a perfect and cheerful mixture of Irish and Scottish melodies blended with the unique Fiddler’s Green sound. Hence, the band’s music is also called “Irish speedfolk”. The band has recently released an anniversary compilation album called “25 Blarney Roses”.

As a fan of folk melodies, I really liked this record from the beginning to the end. Surely, we are talking about a band that has been around for many years and the authentic sound is definitely there. Furthermore, what I really liked in this record is the fact that there is a mixture of not only Irish and Scottish melodies but even influences from Balkan melodies (“Yindy”), classical music (“Take Me Back”) or even reggae/trip-hop (“We Don’t Care) . In this sense, the album has a lot to offer with many elements for fans of different styles of music… and for the lovers of a bit heavier side of folk, “Folk’s Not Dead” will surely be an earcandy! The band also didn’t forget to include a cover of the famous song “Rocky Road to Dublin” which was a great surprise to hear!

Generally, I also liked the fact that the listener can focus on each instrument throughout the album; it’s not just about the vocals or the e-guitars but the folk instruments are generally more in the spotlight. It makes “25 Blarney Roses” a professional and well-produced compilation album in that sense. Furthermore, although the album has generally a fast pace, songs like “Long Gone” and “Another Spring Song” have slower rhythms which sound like acoustic ballad songs that add another perfect dimension to the album.

“25 Blarney Roses” is definitely a must-have for the listeners craving for happy folk melodies. It’s cheerful, folk-y and fast!

Links:
Fiddler’s Green Facebook
Fiddler’s Green Official