Reviewed by Tim Walker

Before you ask, the band's biog explains that Skellig is "the name of a remote island off the Irish coast on which there is a deserted monastery". But no Celtic folkies, these. Soundwise, this quintet's got a sound difficult to pin down to one artist - think of U2 (particularly vocalist Chris Burness - very "War"-era Bono), but heavier, with a touch of the Levellers (via fiddler Lisa Burness) and you're in the same supermarket. Lyrically, Skellig encroach on lona territory in places (Celtic Christian spirituality et al) whilst not emulating the band; having said that, there is some of lona's 'spaciousness' on "Mystery Of Life". This 3-song EP left a very positive impression on me; I'd like to hear more from this band and my gut instinct tells me that's more than likely. A suggestion for the Greenbelt committee in the meantime: I can see Skellig going down a storm with the punters on main stage just after sunset, especially as U2 have probably departed GB's waters for good.

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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