‘‘Neil Martin’’

Every once a while an album really makes you sit up. The reasons for this can be various and sometimes hard to pinpoint - in Sinéad McKenna’s case however, there are many reasons to immediately celebrate her debut album,Faoi Lán Ceoil.

First and foremost, it’s her sheer, utter and unbridled musicality - it bounces off the recording. There’s an undeniable joy in it all. For one so young, her craft and technique as a fiddle-player, singer and composer are second to none - these finely-honed skills enable her to travel to, and to share with us, that magical space where music enters an extra dimension, where both player and listener are transported to another place.

Only the best of musicians can do this. The arc and lines of her playing and singing are as clean and clear as lark song, and the youthful vigour and boldness of it all is utterly compelling. Put alongside that the choice of material, the originality of the arrangements, the high production standards and the delightful contributions from her very fine co-performers, and we have here a timeless gem.

Whilst there are traces of influences in her music, including Tommy Peoples, Sean McGuire and Bríd Harper, Sinéad has early on in life found her own unique timbre. This is an exceptional album, and I look forward with great anticipation to hearing where this might all lead in the years ahead. Mo cheol thú.