Alyth - People Like Me

(Muso's Guide, February 24, 2009)

Album reviews

A record which has been truly hewn out of Scottish spirit and nationalism, this, Alyth’s second long playing release, is a true flower of Scotland.

The magical nature of Alyth’s music isn’t just down to the use of her native Gaelic language. It’s not even due to the unique use of Scottish traditional instruments and sounds, although that does help to intrigue and bewitch sassenachs. It’s Alyth’s very spirit, which brings all these incredible elements together and binds them in one truly delicious sound.

Alyth’s debut record An Iomall was unleashed a full nine years ago. A mix of traditional songs and known folk standards, it floored critics and marked a massive leap forward in the mainstreaming of the Gaelic language genre. Since releasing her debut album, Alyth has not been resting on her laurels - far from it. She has appeared on over 16 albums in her career, and over 2007/08 she toured the world with The Chieftans and Moving Hearts, all of which has made for a well-rounded and accomplished sophomore record.

From the outset, Alyth is here in full voice, and charms and cajoles with every spellbinding note. Opener ‘Nuair Bha Mi Og’ - swoops in with the mists of the Highlands, Alyth’s voice all confidence and strength over the traditional rhythms.

On ‘Dh’fhag E Gun Chadal Am Dhusgadgh Mi’, her voice seems to soar on its own, making the richness of the gaelic vowels and the musicality of its intonations an intensely primal experience. Simply put, to the ear of those who do not speak it, Gaelic singing has an otherworldliness and seems to be saying so much more than any song in English.

As such, it is a bit of a shame that Alyth has made People Like Me an album made predominantly from English language songs. That said, tracks like ‘The Beautiful Lie’ have all the sweetness of the Scottish but with the added bonus that the stunning lyrics are easily understood - “We’ll be like bluebirds do”, she warbles, for all the world a songbird herself.

The highlight of the album would have to be the closer ‘People Like Me’. A delicious ensemble piece which brings together all the musicians, including members of Scottish band Lau - who have worked with Alyth on People Like Me.

Packed with the magical, the ethereal and the spiritual, even the banal is a delight to behold when filtered through Alyth’s music.