Anam Danu – Euphoria (Album Review)

Every once in a while, in the world of music, you will come across an act that defies all of your current assumptions and thoughts about the flow of today’s music. They will blow you away, for good or for worse, in their own interpretation of what makes art ‘art’ itself. In today’s review, the act that’ll shatter your own preconceived notions shall grace you with a tapestry of music that I frankly have not heard synthesized in this manner before.

Meet Anam Danu, a collaboration that began between two musicians originating from different continents, uniting as one through their shared Celtic heritage. They set out to create original, unusual and innovative adult-oriented pop music on the West Coast of Canada.

The group has undergone many trials and reformulations, initially starting with vocalist/pianist Siobhan Monaghan and songwriter Andy Dawson Reid joining forces in 2019. They brought their many years of multinomial musical experience to the collaboration, seeking to create something fresh and musically satisfying. They also cemented their connection with the love of classic pop songs and shared musical ambitions. However, they were not limited to themselves. In the fall of 2023, Siobhan and Andy were joined by experienced soprano vocalist, Adrienne Dyer. Together, the trio creates alternative adult-oriented music that is mature, soulful and cinematic.

An introduction to the members:

Siobhan is a singer and pianist who owes her musical talents to a musically rich upbringing and autodidactic nature, playing by ear and improvising. She then studied piano through the Toronto Conservatory of Music and the University of Lethbridge. She has also specialised in providing dance music accompaniment for Irish dancing competitions, joining a Scottish Country Dance trio, toured as an accompanist for the Saskatchewan dance troupe ‘Les Danseurs de la rivière La Vieille’, been a member of the Victoria-based trio ‘Trilogy’, and released her debut piano album titled ‘Common Ground’ in 1996.

Andy’s formative years were shaped by the musical revolution of the sixties, and in influence, he wrote his first song at the age of sixteen and has continued the pursuit of songwriting since. He was the principal writer and bass player for a bunch of bands around London in the 70s and 80s, and was soon introduced to the world of theatre. He then wrote six musicals for youth and fringe theatre companies, as well as scores for other ventures. He was the musical director for a series of productions that toured the Edinburgh Fringe and to the Jersey Opera House.

Adrienne has also had a very musical past, singing for almost as long as she can remember. She was raised in a musical family, and went on to study literature at the University of Victoria. She has been a soloist with The Peninsula Singers since 2007, and performed in Dublin with the acclaimed Irish ensemble ANÚNA, as an International Summer School delegate in 2015 and 2017 before joining Anam Danu.

Anam Danu has had a history of releases, with their initial album titled ‘Winds of Change’. ‘Winter Blue and Evergreen’ soon came afterwards, followed by the third album titled ‘Soul Making’ and several singles too. Their newest release is titled ‘Euphoria’, a collection of 10 new songs.

The album explores what it means to be a mature adult in today’s challenging times. It includes songs about storytelling and creativity, the value of long-term friendships, teaching and learning, the search for out roots, and the important choices we make as we grow older. Most importantly, it highlights the need for joy. The album art is also credited to the artist Mairéad.

Upon my first listen of the album, the body of work definitely speaks out to me as that of a fusion between Enya, Kate Bush and a little bit of various smooth jazz and experimental art-rock artists from the 90s. The whole album is almost quite strange to comprehend, because it captures the zeitgeist of a lost art scene and musical sensibility very well in this day and age without compromising any ounce of authenticity.

All of the songs on the album bear a very cinematic flair to them, with the narrative and its compositional aspects. It has elements of folk music scattered throughout, while still maintaining a slight node of experimentation to keep listeners hooked to the album. It is also very warm and polished in its execution, making me wonder if this was the missing soundtrack to a revivalist 80s/90s heartfelt movie. The elements of instrumentation in each track definitely stick out, such as the piano work and the percussive elements as well. A lot of the chord structures do mirror vintage music compositional techniques, while also emanating a feel of innocence. As a young person, I can understand the perspective of this album venturing in the world of what it means to be a mature adult in today’s times. It’s very thematic and true to its theme.

The two vocalists’ voices also bear a very interesting contrast, as they possess very different vocal ranges and tone too. It’s an interesting mix of voices, that venture from determined to even slight Irish inflections at time. The only small critique I have of the vocals are the mastering- a lot of times I feel like there’s a slight ‘lack of blending’ between the instrumental track and the vocals.

Otherwise, I am truly quite impressed with this album. Another notable aspect of this album is the bass throughout each song. It has an aged sound, but it just suits the theme of all of the songs. It has a dynamic ‘bounciness’, all while glueing the compositions together to form a very cogent soundscape. The album also boasts decent songwriting work, a quality that is very hard to find these days.

Score/Excellent: Anam Danu returns with their newest release, titled ‘Euphoria’- an album sure to provide you with Euphoria. It is filled to the brim with serenity and character all in one, within a dynamic musical soundscape that truly stays true to its thematic origins and intent.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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