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The man behind Gae Bolg is called Eric Roger and he´s been playing for neo-folk legends Sol Invictus. There´s nothing to do between both acts, though . While Sol Invictus deliver intimate folk in a very natural accoustic style, Gae Bolg plays a kind of original medieval music clad in a modern cloak, a quite interesting style. The bandname was taken from the magical spear carried by the legendary Celtic hero CuChulainn. The first try of this band could seem very disappointing if you expect something typical; you must open your ears and mind to savour this piece of music. Of course there are some medieval evocative tunes beautifully played as “Chanson”, with the flute and mellow strings and so on. “Sur Les Bords De L´Ille” is also a typical medieval hymn delivering the goods. However, next to these traditional pieces there are experiments which tread dark landscapes without leaving the medieval ambiences at all.
Samples and synths accurately arranged succeed in creating gloomy atmospheres, until they achieve a certain soundtrack feeling quite fresh. Variety is something we are going to find here; besides the medieval songs, other different sensations can be experienced. For example, “disturbing” could be a proper adjective to describe both “Invocations” contained in this album: obsessive, mesmerizing tunes –strongly adorned with the solemn, choir-like and recitative vocals- that nail to your mind. In fact the whole album spins around an ancient French fable dating from the XIIIth century, so the songs are connected to this story in a conceptual effort and therefore variety is supported in a very convincing way. Definitely this is a far better album than “La Ballade de l´Ankou”, the other Gae Bolg CD fallen on my hands and ears some time ago. Nothing more to say: this is medieval, dark and gloomy music!
| Tracklist |
| 1. Prélude |
| 2. Invocation I |
| 3. Le Diable Parle |
| 4. La Maladie D´Aucassin |
| 5. Chanson |
| 6. Sur Les Bords De L´Ille |
| 7. Dans La Loge |
| 8. Les Visions De Théophile |
| 9. Invocation II |
| 10. Danse |
| 11. Le Cygne Noir |
| 12. Ballade |
| 13. Passacaille |
| 14. Le Retour D´Aucassin |
| 15. Aucassin Et Nicolette |
: 47.41
| Buy other Gae Bolg albums |
