Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Good to see Authentic Media giving UK retail distribution to an excellent new British band and good that the band in question aren't following the increasingly predictable path of congregational worship. The White Goose from Co Down could be pigeon-holed Celtic music but again there's not a bodhran or a folk fiddle in earshot and their particular eclectic approach features a husky-voiced lead singer, some delicious Irish sounding female harmonies and accompaniments which range from acoustic to full on electric rock with some head-to-the-sky axe solos. There's a wistfully haunting quality about several of their songs. The mid tempo "Believer" skillfully arranged with an effective breakdown where the band disappear leaving lead man Ashleigh Campbell in near acappella before returning for a surging climax while "Trinity" is lifted by those eerie female harmonies aaahing a haunting counter melody. The 'Anam Cara' album title comes from a 1997 bestseller on Celtic spirituality by Irish priest John O'Donohue. There are some handsome photographs of a mountain on the sleeve though it's a shame the said sleeve lacks lyrics of the songs or even details of who is in The White Goose because I don't think I am alone in wanting to know more about the songs and the skilled musos who perform them.

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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