Celtic Rock:
Putting the "Bar" in Bardach

Why fuse Celtic and rock music? Because both speak directly to the nervous system, bypassing such useless things as conscious thought. Because they both stir you to physical reaction - toe-tapping, rump-shaking, head-banging. Because both have been lauded as "the voice of the people", and suppressed by "the powers that be", in their own times. And because it feels good! Here's a short list of Celtic rockers to get you started. Feel free to email me if you have suggestions, comments, or criticism.

• Martyn Bennett
  Bennet's mind-twisting fusion of Gaelic music with techno and electronica has turned the Scottish Gaelic world on its ear. Find out what all the fuss is about.
  Laurie sez: Funky!

• Boiled In Lead
  This Minnesota group has weathered years and personnel changes, yet continues to dish up rockin' variations on Celtic and Eastern European folk traditions.

• Brother
  Four brothers from Australia who energize modern pop and rock with Celtic and Australian aboriginal motifs.

• Ashley MacIsaac
  Though most of his recordings are strictly traditional, MacIsaac's brilliant album hi(TM) how are you today? melds the Cape Breton fiddling tradition with grunge guitar and hip-hop shuffle beats.
  Laurie sez: Nice fiddle! A bit too modern for me....

• The Moors
  This Boston darkwave duo combines ambient sound-sculpting and Middle Eastern-influenced guitar with Scottish Gaelic lyrics and the Celtic pagan tradition to produce a unique blend of spiritual music.
  Laurie sez: Seductive, gothic, dark. I like.

• Tempest
  Considered by many to be the first, and best, Celt-rock band.

• Wolfstone
  Probably the most popular Scottish Celtic rock band, Wolfstone has never shirked from mixing modern instruments with traditional ones, or performing political anthems back-to-back with high-energy reel sets.
  
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