Reviewed by Tim Holden

I have to be honest here and say that I cannot remember anything about this group and the CD sleevenotes did not enlighten me - even the web address given led nowhere. This and a tight deadline lead me to actually listen to this CD with no preconceptions at all - I couldn't even guess the style from the cover! The first introduction to the music is a complex drum rhythm played on what sounds like traditional Celtic instruments. This is then joined by a lilting acoustic guitar that is the trademark of this album and finally the vocals, in this case reminiscent of the Cranberries. The vocals are very easy to listen to with some excellent harmonies woven into the flow without ever becoming overbearing. The production is of a consistently high level though to my ear, tainted by too many American high budget albums, the sound gets a little thin when the effects processor is pressed too hard. The girls (there is a picture on the back) have a lot of songwriting ability and can certainly sing and play well and there is just enough variation in the songs to keep the listener interested until the end of this seven track CD. On the evidence here, I would recommend anyone to go and see Elan live and those of you into mellow folk rock should get this CD into your collection. This will still be in the CD player long after the big budget albums have been lost in the back of the CD cabinet.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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