Take the essence of traditional Celtic music and culture. Add lyrics that'll make you laugh, make you cry or make you think. Now, throw in a band that'll rock your socks off. What do you get? The Sandcarvers!
A tantalizing mix of Celtic, rock and [+]Take the essence of traditional Celtic music and culture. Add lyrics that'll make you laugh, make you cry or make you think. Now, throw in a band that'll rock your socks off. What do you get? The Sandcarvers!
A tantalizing mix of Celtic, rock and folk, "This Time Around" finds The Sandcarvers coming of age. Previous 'Carvers albums have always featured strong vocals and songwriting, but "This Time Around," although recorded in a studio, captures all the power and spontaneity of their live performances. And while many bands go in for the "polished and slick" sound for their recordings while forgetting about the passion and fire, "This Time Around" the Sandcarvers forget neither.
The album kicks off with "Molly," a traditional Irish tune that began its life as a slow jig...until the Sandcarvers got hold of it! Electric guitar and recorder weave their way around a driving beat that just screams "Get up and dance!" Featured here are Hamish and Angus from the band BROTHER, adding some very tasty vocal harmony.
"Changes" moves into a more '80s pop feel. A simple riff with a driving bass line fuels this song and then, a beautiful harp solo in the bridge, before kicking it back into high gear for the end.
"Margaret by the Sea" first appeared as an instrumental called "Green, White, & Orange" on an earlier Sandcarvers album. Originally featuring just guitar, bass and drum, This Time Around they've added new lyrics, bodhran and recorders and come up with a "new-trad" Celtic song.
Written in honor of Nelson Mandela, "Sun Comes Up" features what just might be the most infectious riff on the disc. When Tony sings "Sun comes up, sun goes down...they say," you can easily imagine Mandela languishing in his cell.
"Lucky Day" is a beautiful ballad--solo voice with simple piano accompaniment. Tony's emotive vocals really shine here. A reminder that we should all try to make every day our "Lucky Day."
"Drowsy Maggie" is just killer! A traditional Irish instrumental kicked up way many notches, this song has an almost tribal feel to it. Searing electric guitar and recorder riffs trade and feed off each other. The Sandcarvers are joined again on this one by the boys from BROTHER, this time on didgeridoo!
One of the highlights of the album has to be The Sandc
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