Ceili Rain - Crash This Gate

by Lisa Torem

published: 3 / 7 / 2023

Label: Ceili Rain
Format: CD

intro

Forceful first album in almost a decade from Syracuse-based Celtic rock band Ceili Rain

Ceili Rain, who have just released their ninth album, and their first, in almost a decade, have made up for lost time with their invigorating, twelve-track ‘Crash This Gate.’ The group consists of lead vocalist Bob Halligan Jr. on keys, guitar and percussion, Burt Mitchell on the classic tin whistle, flute and Highland pipes, Kevin De Souza on bass and vocals, Bill Bleistine on drums, Raymond Arias on guitar and vocals and Joe Davoli on fiddle and violin. Guest Michael Roddy handles Uillean pipes. The album is also enhanced by a talented crew of backing vocalists. The opening line, “I’d crash this gate for you,” is sung sincerely at the onset. Moreover, ‘Crash This Gate’ has a persuasive beat and a dependable flow of expressive phrases to follow. It’s about yearning to please; yearning to make things right. ‘It’s You I Love About It’ comes alive with hopeful harmonies and a tender, moving melody. The Highland bagpipes echo the heartfelt message: “It was you all the while.” ‘Birdhouse,’ the co-write between Halligan and his wife, has a “big easy” feel. “I guess, a mouse needs a house more than me.” It may sound childlike, but hang in there. ‘Birdhouse’ carries a deeper meaning. Of all the material on the record, this one has the most commercial appeal. And surprisingly, the outro. brings forth a Gospel vibe. “’Love Corporation,’ however, relies on a more definitive R & B feel, more specifically, a classic school “Philly” feel, with its laid-back construction, minor seventh chords and tight call and response. ‘Ten Million’ has a brilliant instrumental introduction, followed by a full-chorus. Overall interest is kept up with zig-zag transitions. The content bears witness to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. And in keeping with that thought, so does “The Once-And-Future Human Race.” Musically, the song, however, begins with a vibrant instrumental. Electric guitar creeps in for several bars with positive effect - the story revolves around a fluid sense of social consciousness. At the verse, ‘One Full Nearer the Shore’ is another convincing story of hope and love, despite setback. In the chorus, that sentiment is expressed well, too, with spare lyrics and equal conviction. ‘I Can Believe’ is another motivator which is illustrated through a relatable message: “I can believe in my quest, because I’m trying.” ‘Used to Be White’ dances with wordplay, metaphor and wild, electronic effects, but also raises a glass to diversity. “Okay, I’m still white, I’ll lay down tonight.” ‘My Specialty’ contrasts with a soothing, simple piano accompaniment and powerful, instrumental transitions. ‘Fall to You’ delivers us back to the Celtic core of the album. The instrumental section, which is amazing, boasts powerful percussion ‘Twenty Seconds’ is the quintessential Celtic number, with raucous vocals by studio guests, who sound as if they’re hoisting flags and shouting from a ship. ‘Crash the Gate’ is a fine tribute to all things Celtic and more.

Track Listing:-

1 Crash This Gate
2 It's You I Love About It
3 Birdhouse
4 Love Corporation
5 Ten Million
6 The Once-and-Future Human Race
7 One Pull Nearer the Shore
8 I Can Believe
9 Used to Be White
10 My Specialty
11 Fall to You
12 Twenty Seconds