Landless – Lúireach (Glitterbeat Records, 2024)
Landless is a grand Irish quartet that features Lily Power, Méabh Meir, Ruth Clinton, and Sinéad Lynch. This lovely and enthralling ensemble performs a mix of timeless, centuries-old ballads and contemporary folk songs.
Lily, Méabh, Ruth, and Sinéad bring their haunting harmonies to the forefront with Lúireach, their second album. Known for their unaccompanied singing and occasional subtle instrumentation, Landless continues to craft spellbinding music that melds ancient ballads and contemporary folk songs with remarkable depth and patience.
As with their 2018 debut, Bleaching Bones, Lúireach is produced by John “Spud” Murphy, whose work with Lankum and ØXN has cemented his reputation as a master of modern folk production. The album sees Landless evolving their sound with delicate instrumentation, including Ruth Clinton’s pump organ, Méabh Meir’s shruti box, and contributions from guest musicians like Cormac MacDiarmada (fiddle, viola, banjo) and Alex Borwick (trombone). Yet, the heart of the record remains their unadorned, entrancing a cappella voices.
The album’s repertoire spans centuries and geographies. Familiar traditional songs such as “Blackwaterside,” “Death & The Lady,” and “My Lagan Love” appear alongside more recent creations like “Lúireach Bhríde,” commissioned for the RTÉ Folk Awards, and the Slovakian festival-inspired “Ej Husari.” Landless effortlessly imbue each piece with timelessness.
The thematic undercurrents of Lúireach highlight perspectives that challenge the often passive portrayal of women in folk narratives. However, the group strikes a balance, embracing both progressive themes and more conventional love songs. “We don’t take a hard-line approach,” Ruth explains. “The melody and lyrics always guide us.”
Landless’ origins are deeply rooted in Dublin’s traditional singing and Sacred Harp communities. As Sinéad Lynch recalls, the folk scene’s vitality predates their arrival, but they’ve been invigorated by its embrace. “We’ve been taught and encouraged by those who came before us. It’s a privilege to be part of such a thriving community.”
With Lúireach, Landless offer a record that rewards careful listening, immersing the audience in tales of love, loss, and mystery. Its title, an Irish word meaning both “breastplate” or “protection” and “hymn” or “prayer,” —reflects the album’s duality: a protective layer of tradition coupled with a spiritual invocation for connection and exploration.
Buy Lúireach.
Author: Ryan Emmert
