FOUR MEN & A DOG
Wallop the Spot
HOOK 005
World Music
689232010966
Fourmenandadog
Irlanda
“The boys are back in town with this veritable Smorgasbord of traditional tunes and stunning songs. The long-awaited new release, shrewdly entitled Wallop The Spot, is the creation of Ireland’s most exciting ensemble, currently enjoying the zenith of their careers.
In the five years since their last studio project Maybe Tonight, the boys have been whipping up a storm worldwide, bringing music to the masses through their energetic stage performances. And it’s with the same energy, verve and commitment that the five lads have approached this latest project, making Wallop The Spot a must have for all fans of the award-winning band.
The thirteen tracks on offer include deliciously arranged Jigs and Reels, spicy Polkas and exceedingly palatable songs. From the outset the intention is clear with the launch of the first set of tunes leading with Lucy Campbells. Crash, bang, and indeed wallop…the Dogs do their thing on the classic Caledonian Reel. And there’s no letting up as the melee continues through Jigs, Reels and Polkas such as Hags Purse, Teelin Reel, Dan Murphy’s Polka and Dick Cosgroves amongst other prolific takes on endearing traditional tunes. Aficionados of the banjo will enjoy tunes such as Scatter The Mud and the Cúil Aodha Jig as Hayden & O’Connor chase the hare with relentless vigour and a sweeping panache.
On the song front the Calypso-style Bloomsday reveals the bands objective to give the album that global feel. From Caribbean beats to contemporary Jazz in the shape of Low And Lonely and Mary Anne the listener is transported to more colourful terraces, thanks to Doherty’s vocal and lyric skills.
Wallop The Spot is yet another jewel in the crown for the much travelled music maestros and Murphy, Lupari, Hayden, O’Connor and Doherty should take a deserved bow. The ensemble are joined on the album by a plethora of Irish stalwarts such as Arty McGlynn on Guitars and Ciaran Tourish on Fiddle, testament to the veneration enjoyed by the band in Ireland and abroad.”
FOUR MEN & A DOG from Felmay Shop