THE CHILDREN OF LIR

Not quite a lost gem of the early 1970s, the debut by LOUDEST WHISPER is more like a highly skilled recap of folk rock and psych rock from the half decade or so leading up to it, with plenty of progressive credentials along the way. It's always somewhat disappointing when I hear an Irish group that doesn't sound all that Irish for the most part, but, as with FRUUPP, I think I can get over it.

Among the bands referenced loud and clear are The MAMAS and the PAPAS ("Wedding Song" is the sequel to California Dreamin that M&Ps never did), BEATLES ("Children's Song"), MAGNA CARTA ("Mannanan 1"), AMAZING BLONDEL ("William B"), CREAM ("Wrong and Right"), and FAIRPORT CONVENTION ("Silent O'Moyle"), and many unnamed. While all these cuts are excellent in their own right, it is in the songs that directly convey the myth on which the album is based that they sound most unique, specifically "Children of the Dawn" and "Dawning of the Day". "Overture" is also a strong instrumental track.

Unfortunately, the story just doesn't carry much weight, and the narrative included as bonus material serves to underscore its shortcomings. It's a rather tedious fairy tale in fact, paling in comparison to contemporary works like "The Tain" by HORSLIPS. Like the tale itself, the album falters badly in the last few original tracks, adding little beyond extra grooves Luckily the bonus cuts are better than most of the album proper.

LOUDEST WHISPER need not remain a secret for those into prog folk or the influences named above. It's a good album from a band still seeking their own sound.