FUAIM

Like Rush (whose Signals is musically far from both their earlier and later sound), in 1982 Clannad produced an album which became a divide between 'old' and 'new' Clannad but was not transitional. Fuaim is neither truly folky nor 'ambient'. (I use quotation marks because it's difficult to adequately classify the 1980s Clannad's musical style, and ambient is just a rough definition for it.) And it's a pleasure for a prog fan to note that Fuaim is the only really progressive album from Clannad, though mostly thanks to the instrumentation, not melody making or arrangement. What was 'old' Clannad? Acoustic guitar, traditional harp, flute, percussion, tin whistle, plus double bass, mandolin and occasional acoustic piano. What's Fuaim? The same plus rocky drums, keyboards including electric piano and organ, and sax. This is probably the most sophisticated and inventive album ever made by the band. And this is their only album with the participation of the complete clannad (sic!) including Enya, what a pity that she stopped cooperating with the band after that, her contribution was remarkable. Highlights are Ni La Na Gaoithe La Na Scoilb? (a genuine prog track!) and Mhorag 'S Na Horo Gheallaidh (Clannad is initially a vocal quintet, and when they sing they sing!).