The Ukranian folk rock band ShamRocks has delivered a new EP titled “Ye Old Chariot“. The lads from Kiev have decided to stay in their comfort zone and therefore most of the tracks are covers. The five tracks follow different directions; ShamRocks are a versatile band, but sometimes the results may differ.

I have enjoyed their rendition of Korpiklaani “Viïnamen Mies / A Man with a Plan”. They have put Ukranian lyrics to the song and the new title is “Drunkard- Profligate”. The arrangements have a Fiddler’s Green attitude and they have changed the “Hey, Hey” by “Hop, Hop”. Anatoliy and Sergiy shine on fiddle and accordion.

“Topor Polka” is another standout track. The band is really tight and the tune will pleased both Celtic rock fans and Scandinavian folk rock fans.

ShamRocks have put music to a W.B. Yeats poem on “Kiltartan Cross”. The final result is an excellent song with a Michael McGoldrick touch thanks to the whistles and flutes.

Those would be my fave cuts on the EP. “Roll the Old Chariot” is an interesting number too. ShamRocks follow the usual treatment: first an approach closer to the original shanty, and then a fast-paced electric approach.

The Ukrainian quintet always takes risk. I love that, but I must admit that I don’t like their industrial cover of “The Star of the Co. Down” titled “Der Stern der Grafschaft Daun” (in German and in Gothic characters)

On this EP ShamRocks have written the music for one of the songs and the lyrics for another one. I expect that next time the guys won’t be shy and include more self-penned stuff. They have proved that they are able to re-arrange songs in an innovative way. The next step would be more songwriting.

The “Ye Old Chariot” EP is available as a digital release on bandcamp

Track listing:

1 – Roll the Old Chariot 4:04
2 – Пияка-Гультяй 2:52
3 – Der Stern der Grafschaft Daun 3:43
4 – Topor Polka 3:29
5 – Kiltartan Cross 3:26

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