With only a handful of notable bands in the Christian market creating half-decent Celtic-influenced folk and rock music, the Electrics have set themselves apart as one of the most authentic and intense bands of this genre. Garnering a very loyal following with their previous efforts, Visions and Dreams (1991), Big Silent World (1993) and The Whole Shebang (1995), The Electrics have become a popular act in the U.K., so much so that Frank Tate, President of 5 Minute Walk Records, signed them to his label's Sarabellum Records, shortly after seeing them live in Europe.
Perhaps the biggest strength in this trio of Sammy Horner (vocalist and principal songwriter), David McArthur (drums) and Paul Baird (guitars and background vocals) is that they are actually from Scotland, which lends them a much greater sense of credibility, perhaps, than a US-based Celtic-rock band. And, of course, the apparent resurgence of popular appreciation for Celtic music of all stripes does not hurt, for example the popularity of artists such as Ashley MacIsaac, The Crossing and Anuna, not to mention the entire Riverdance phenomenon.
The obvious diversity of music on this album can be attributed to a host of other musicians who have lent their talents in helping sculpt an absolutely enjoyable album, which is delightful not just to listen to, but also one that can easily involve the listener in foot-tapping, head-bobbing, or even getting up and doing a jig with nearby friends or strangers. Aside from the three main players handling vocal, drum and guitar duties, seven other musicians play an assortment of instruments (uilleann pipes, accordions, mandolins, whistles, as well as background vocals). As a result, all fourteen songs on this album reflect the talent behind the music, not least Horner's strongly melodic musical writing style and the band's careful instrumental arrangements. These songs are beautiful, and reveal strong Celtic roots and influences. One that comes to mind is the benedictory "The Blessing." Set to calming music with an assortment of instruments (and lovely electric guitar and fiddle solo bridges), the following words are offered with encouragement to the listener:
As you make your way through this old world of ours
As you see the beauty of the morning dew
As you smell the summer flowers
As you pass away the hours
May the saints and saviour watch over you.
Many of these songs are written from first-person perspective and weaved together and delivered with a story-telling type of approach. These stories cover a number of topics including selfishness, vanity and pretentiousness ("Two Buns"), and gratitude and thankfulness ("Here's To You"). Perhaps the most striking set of lyrics on this album can be found on the track, "Pour Me a Pint:"
He said, 'All I'm drinking is water from a stream that's never dry
No drought can make it run out, no matter how it might try
And I can't quite explain it in a way that I can tell...'
I said, 'I don't know what you're drinking, but pour me a pint as well.'
Along with the original songs, they also cover Sam Hill's, "I Believe in Freedom," perform the popular folk favourite "Irish Rover," and include an extremely danceable instrumental piece, "The Jig." There is also a special hidden track on the album for those who like to keep the CD players running for these kind of things.
Sammy Horner's vocals are similar to Paul Northup of Eden Burning, but unlike the Reid brothers of the Proclaimers, his accent is not overtly noticeable, except in a few songs. Fans of Great Big Sea, the Proclaimers, Iona, and the Pogues will no doubt be impressed with this record, as will anybody who has a pulse.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse March 1998Reviewed by Roger AppelinskiI first heard of The Electrics on Julie Miller's "Back Of Your Head." They were her band on that song, and I really liked the Celtic folk flavor. So, it was interesting to see that same song kick off The Electrics, which is (as far as I know) their debut release here in the U.S. The Electrics remind me a little bit of The Crossing in some respects: the instrumentation, the backing vocals, and the…7ball #13Reviewed by Father Mosh5 Minute Walk--SaraBellum's parent label--has introduced us to some of the most enjoyable modern rock bands that we've heard in recent years. Artists like Seven Day Jesus, Black Eyed Sceva (now Model Engine), Dime Store Prophets, Dryve and Five Iron Frenzy have come from the 5MW/SaraBellum stable. Now, for the first time, the label has gone off shore--to the United Kingdom--to sign a band, and it…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by James StewartHaving heard of The Electrics for years, and following them for a couple of those, it's been a strange experience to pick up the recent buzz about them from the USA. This album is something of a 'best of...' with all tracks re-recorded under the watchful eye of Masaki Liu (Dime Store Prophets). Many favourites are here and are definitely sounding better than ever but I was a bit disappointed that…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Linda T. StonehockerPipes, penny whistles, pubs, and pints. This is manly music created and played by manly men from Scotland and Ireland true to their roots, who know their way around a public house equally as well as a church. The "whole shebang" adds up to a rollickin' good time, a refreshing change from standard CCM cliched rock. 5 tocksThe Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Josh SpencerAll-righty then! Woo-hoo! The Electrics are here, all the way from Scotland, with their heavily ethnic brand of rock ("pub rock!"). Ethnic in the Scottish sense--the traditional guitars, bass and drums are joined by pipes, mandolin, fiddle, keyboards, whistles, and an accordion! The accordion even adds a slight Cajun feel to the music, which is, I don't know, weird. Sammy Horner's voice sometimes…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Shari LloydThe British Isles is sending a lot of great music across the Atlantic lately. From Scotland, the newest group is the Electrics, a wonderful blend of rock and Irish folk music. You'll find the usual guitars, drums, and keyboards plus Uilleann pipes, an accordion, a fiddle, a whistle and a mandolin. The Celtic influence is everywhere and is sure to have you tapping your toe. Highlights are "The…Similar sounding releases
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