Oxford’s seven-piece folk ensemble blend rich harmonies, spirited originals, and beloved traditional songs into a warm, uplifting album built for sing-along moments and summer festival stages.

Oxford-based folk ensemble Celtic Heartbeat released their fourth studio album on 28 February and are gearing up to showcase new material from Underneath the Deep Blue Sky at the 2026 Oxford Folk Festival in April. Their seven‑piece line-up creates a full, warm sound that feels tailor‑made for festival stages, with lush vocal harmonies contributed by every member of the band.

The album features ten tracks: six originals, two covers, and two traditional songs. Familiar favourites such as their rendition of Jimmy McCarthy’s Ride On and a lively take on Molly Malone will immediately resonate with listeners.

What truly stands out, though, is the anthemic quality of the band’s original material. New songs often take time to settle in, but here the hooks land instantly. Each uplifting, passionately delivered chorus invites the listener to sing along from the very first play. The band also weaves instrumental folk melodies into several tracks, adding an energetic, danceable lift.

Recorded with Nick Moorbath at Evolution Studios and mastered by Tim Turan, the album captures a clear, full sound while preserving the raw, folky edge that defines the band’s character. The mix balances the instruments beautifully, giving a solid foundation for the vocals and fiddle to carry the lead lines.

Overall, Underneath the Deep Blue Sky is an energetic, heartwarming, and uplifting album—one that’s sure to find a welcome home on the folk festival circuit this summer.

The album Underneath the Deep Blue Sky is available in CD 
Order here

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