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Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps - ‘Down to The Roots´ Album Review
Reverberating with influence from both sides of the Atlantic.
Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps´ new release; ‘Down to The Roots’
Respecting his roots, Darcy’s vocals retain an Irish lilt, but combined with a fresh approach and adventurous drive, influenced by the Bluegrass and Americana scenes of his new home in Toronto, Canada.
The album features a mixture of Darcy’s originals, as well as chorus songs and traditional ballads. Songs such as ‘The Rambler from Clare’, sound quintessentially Irish; underpinned by a seductive 6/8 groove, wailing whistles and fiendish fiddles improvise mixolydian lines around the vocal melody.
In contrast the track ‘Rollin’ Home/Reel de Baie St-Paul’ sits firmly within the framework of American Oldtime/Bluegrass. With a driving upbeat tempo, three-part harmonies and soaring bluesy licks on the banjo and fiddle, I could imagine this going down great at a late-night festival set.
There´s even a nice version of ´The Wild Rover´, a song shunned by most Celtic artists, due to the overwhelming burden of cliché it carries. Darcy however finds a way to make this tired song fresh again.
‘Down to the Roots’ is an excellent album; Well-crafted songs with detailed arrangements are brought to life with virtuosic flair. The variety of influences, song themes and dynamics suits listeners with an eclectic palette.
Whether it be at a folk club or a festival I’m sure Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps will be captivating crowds wherever their next adventures take them!
Listen here-
