Search - Flook :: Flatfish

Stellar first release by giants of the New Celtic Thing

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 11/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This band's debut studio disc, if not as absolutely accomplished as their sophomore effort, Rubai, is nonetheless a recording of remarkable subtlety, drive, and musicianship, providing the hearer with nearly unending listening pleasures. It takes musicians of not only consummate skill but also penetrating aesthetic discernment to produce a disc of this weight and consequence.



For shear rhythmic intensity and melodic/harmonic joie de vivre, this band sets an astonishingly high bar. Listen. It's really difficult to conjure such burning cadences and still sound natural, not wildly--let alone unpleasantly--frenetic. Yet these people handle it without missing a beat, so to speak.



In some ways, I like this disc even better than Rubai. There's a certain freshness, an innocence, a naiveté shining through these digital bits that, although not entirely lacking on their second offering, nevertheless defines this disc in a way that it doesn't Rubai. Consequently, it's nearly impossible to choose between the two: Do you want sophistication or intensity? Subtlety or strength (not that each doesn't participate in both; we're just talking emphases here)? Mature reflection or youthful enthusiasm?



If I were you, I'd opt for both. If I HAD to choose one over the other, I think I'd take Rubai. But it'd be an awfully close call."

Simply excellent.

Jan P. Dennis | 10/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Probably one of the most creative young irish/english band.
A nice selection of tunes (compositions, Breton music, Balkan colours...), inventive arrangements and a very lively flute style
by Brian Finnegan. I just loved it."

Great fun!

J. Polak | Baltimore, MD United States | 12/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the debut studio CD from Flook. It's perhaps my favorite of thier 3 CD's because it is not very produced and sounds more like their live performance. If you are not familiar with Flook this is a good start but you would do best seeing them live. Brain Finnigan improvises on the whistles like nobody you've ever heard and is king of triple tonguing. Sara Allen is like no flute player I've ever heard and she holds down the bottom end with a big Bflat flute. John Joe Kelly is an amazing bodrahn player. Ed Boyd is very tasteful and leaves room for the others to show their stuff. I love this stuff!!!"