THE BOOK OF INVASIONS - A CELTIC SYMPHONY

This is regarded as Horslips masterpiece. I cannot possibly comment on that, this being the first Horslips album I have ever sunk my teeth into. But I have a weak spot for celtic folk rock. I am also pretty fond of Thin Lizzy. So this album is in my view being compared against Thin Lizzy's crossover album Black Rose.

The music on Book of Invasions: A Celtic Symphony is pretty accessible, commercial 1970s rock with influences from symphonic prog and folk rock. There are some traditional celtic instruments in the mix too. 40 % of this album is celtic folk rock. 40 % is 1970s rock/ pop and the remainder is prog rock. Not a good percentage for a concept album, in my view. Neither is this Clannad or the Dubliners like folk rock too. This is commercialised celtic folk rock, no less and no more.

The quality of the songs are pretty good. I cannot fault it in this department. I sometimes get some strong Thin Lizzy vibes from this album. Well, most of the times, I have to admit. In my view; Thin Lizzy did commercial folk rock better than Horslips did it on this album. But Horslips was some years ahead of Thin Lizzy with a celtic prog folk concept album, if I am not mistaken. Anyway, the songs are pretty good. The band is stomping along without impressing. The music is pretty simple and nowhere near the complexity of for example Yes. The vocalist sounds like a white-washed Phil Lynott. Nothing wrong there.

I find this album pretty inoffensive and pretty dull at times. It feels like Horslips has made far too many compromises on this album and lost some soul along the way. This is not the Ireland I personally know. There is too much Memphis, Tennessee on this album, if you get my drift. But this is a good crossover album and worthy a three star. But I expected more than this.

3 stars

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