Irish duo TIR NA NOG is a veteran folk duo that started out way back in 1969, with three full length albums from the early 70’s to their name that are all, if I understand matters correct, classics. If I have gotten the facts straight, Tir Na Nog hasn’t released much new material since their initial heyday, and as such the release of the EP “I Have Known Love” through UK label Fruits de Mer Records should be regarded as something of an event.
This 4 track EP opens with a cover version of Silver Apples’ I Have Known Love, the literal title track of this production, and to me this was a slightly underwhelming affair. A pleasant enough blend of acoustic guitar, violin and playful percussion, nice and easy to hum along to but not much else.
But when Tir Na Nog gets going on their own material I understand the attraction of this band. You in Yellow somehow manage to add a subtle undercurrent of tension to the acoustic guitar, violin and lead vocals construction that I found highly compelling, and the following The Angelus adds a darker tone to the construction and a vocal detail in the chorus that really elevates this composition to something else. Concluding track I Pick up Birds is a less impressive feature again however, at least as far as my taste in music goes, but it’s nice to hear this duo switch to a more psychedelic expression on this song due to the use of rougher electric guitars. Those who got the promo version of this EP have been treated to a fifth composition as well, Andria, an acoustic guitars and vocals affair that have a subtle jazz-tinged touch to it, with brief visits from the violin. A very nice song, and one that existing fans of this Irish duo hopefully will find of an album of some kind in the foreseeable future.
Presumably existing fans of Tir Na Nog will know their visiting time as far as this limited edition vinyl production is concerned. There’s a few hundred copies available and when they are gone those late to the party won’t get a second chance. Apart from that fans of low key, gentle acoustic folk music have an EP at hand here they should enjoy, where the best material holds a very high standard as far as my impression goes at least.
My rating: 75/100
