THE YOUNG DUBLINERS
Red (Omtown/Higher Octave)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Though Red is only their second full length studio release (their discography also includes a live long player and a debut EP), the Young Dubliners have established a strong reputation through steady touring for an enthusiastic and growing cadre of fans who are inspired to form "jig pits" for a Celtic variation of moshing. The band's sound has grown tighter in the process and lead singer/guitarist Keith Roberts' songwriting has matured as well.

One measure of that maturation is the title track of this new release, co-written with Bernie Taupin. That puts Roberts in a fairly elite corps of composers, but he's just as adept at penning his own lyrics. The best thing about this disc is the songs, and when a band sounds as good as this one does, that's saying a lot.

As there name implies, there's a little bit of Ireland in the sound of the Young Dubliners, but it doesn't come from the form of the songs themselves as much as the creative use of traditional instrumentation, including whistles, pipes and Celtic percussion. Well, that and Roberts' voice, which continues to carry the inflections of his homeland. Take away that and the instruments, though, and the band fits firmly in the pop/rock wing of the jam band scene. Not exactly Phish meets the Chieftains, but not exactly not that either.

In any event, this is a fine effort, sure to please old fans and win some new ones.

Track List:

Bohdran * Stop Me * Red * Neverending * Is That Me? * What Do You Want From Me * Don't You Worry * Fisherman's Blues * Apart * One And Only * Neverending (instrumental) * Rising/Change The World * Red (instrumental)

© 2000 - Shaun Dale