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Release date: October 16, 2017
Running Time: 35:14, 10 tracks
Irish Stew of Sindidun have recently released “City of Grigs”, their fourth studio album and follow-up to their CD from 2011 “New Tomorrow”. Ana Milanovic left the band and the current fiddler is Nemanja Jovanovic. Apart from this line-up change, Irish Stew of Sindidun have released their new album with a new label, Ammonite Records.
“City Of Grigs” comes in a jewel case with a 16 page booklet. Ten songs have made the album, which is an interesting Celtic pop-rock work. There are seven original numbers and three covers. Regarding the original songs, five have been written by the band leader Bojan Petrovic, one by Bojan and fiddler Nemanja and another one by Dejan Grujic. The production is excellent and the sound is based on fiddle banjo and tin whistle.
Bojan’s songs are the tracks no. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8. “Stranger” is a fantastic opener that sets the pace for the rest of the album. “Heavier than Sin” was the first single from the album. A video clip was released for this song that features “The Fermoy Lasses” reel at the end, a tune that The Dubliners used to play together with “Sporting Paddy”. “Awake” has a livelier beginning and the banjo-fiddle-whistle tune is spotless too. “Holiday” has a Christy Moore spin. And “Emerald Blue” is a kick-ass Celtic pop-rock number.
“The Old City Keeper” is the only instrumental on “City of Grigs”, but I’s one of the highlights on the album. It has a funky touch that reminds me of Canadian band Mad Pudding. Hats off!
“Drink and Sing” is probably the most upbeat cut on the CD. This number was written by the Orthodox Celts bassist Dejan Grujic. As you probably know, Bojan joined the Orthodox Celts around 2011 and played the whistles till 2016.
Finally, Irish Stew of Sindidun deliver 3 covers too. My fave is Peadar Kearney’s song “Down by the Glenside”. Many bands insist on covering the same The Dubliners / The Clancy Brothers songs. However, Irish Stew of Sindidun have proved that there are other gems that should be re-arranged. “Paddy’s Lamentation” is another good choice and, IMHO, “Step it out Mary” is maybe the softer cover of the three.
“City of Grigs” shows a different side of Irish Stew of Sindidun. The band’s sound is easily recognizable, but they have pushed it to a calm direction. They have taken The Corrs folkier moments and added some drops of Capercaillie and Four Men and a Dog to the mix. The final result is an amazing Celtic pop-rock album.
01. Stranger 2:47
02. Paddy’s Lamentation 3:23
03. Heavier Than Sin 4:05
04. Awake 3:28
05. Drink And Sing 1:59
06. Holiday 4:07
07. The Old City Keeper 2:50
08. Emerald Blue 3:44
09. Down By The Glenside 3:59
10. Step It Out Mary 4:27
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Review by Kinksmarkham
