Search - Runrig :: Everything You See

Oh My Gosh

The Chalcenteric Kid | Boca Raton | 06/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Runrig albums with Bruce Guthro keep getting better and better. After two plays of this CD, I'm hooked. As always, there are Gaelic songs that, though I know not the words, are stirring and memorable. There are rousing sing-alongs like "Clash Of The Ash" and beautiful ballads like "In Scandinavia".



When Donnie Munroe left Runrig I was very sad, but apart from a slight misstep with "The Stamping Ground" CD, Bruce Guthro has delivered on all the CD's he has released with the band.



Simply great music."

Still unfettered, another tip-top album to inspire you

Andrew D. Lossing | Coquille (nowhere-ville), OR, USA | 07/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a huge fan of Runrig, of not many years but many albums, I was a little worried about this one. It's been four years since their last studio album, and in the time's passage so much can change. The spirit of Runrig has always been in appreciation and inspiration of ordinary life, the beauty of the land, and traditions. Such things are becoming less and less appreciated these days (hopefully a temporary situation, as I'd rather not believe in doom-and-gloom end of the world thoughts just quite yet), but happily, no such thing has affected this group, and their latest is a refreshing and inspiring piece of work.



Proterra, their 2003 album, was criticized by some for an overproduced feel. Personally, I like that album a lot, almost as much as its predecessor The Stamping Ground, but I do notice the somewhat heavily produced feel that the former can have over the latter. This was not lost on the band either, who recognize that the power of their music is at its best in live situations. Hence this album, recorded and produced entirely in the highlands (a first for the band), was designed to feel earthy and apprehendable. Recorded in an old stable block in a small town which was converted into a studio, Runrig also made use of other buildings in the town for their work. Hence this album has a dedication to place and heart that might go unnoticed to the casual listener. Whether it means much to you or not, the result is a fine and powerful piece of work.



Highlights for me are the tracks Road Trip, Atoms and Sona for their authentic Runrig energy and fire, This Day for fully capturing the beauty and hope at the heart of the band, and the tracks Something's Got to Give and In Scandinavia for a lovely slower, more melancholy tone. In reality, though, I'd be hard-pressed to pick a track I dislike - every one is top-quality, emotive and packs a punch of its own.



Runrig, the Scots highlanders' most unique and powerful musical sound, again proves they see deeper into the soul of music than so many others. If you like rock, especially classic and melodic styles, folk-rock or Celtic music of any sort, get this and give it multiple listenings, so that the full power can unfold. Nothing's right at the surface here - keep it in mind. Slainte!"