FUAIM

Before producer Nicky Ryan and his protege ENYA parted ways with CLANNAD, they played a major role in "Fuaim", which is both far more energetic and, paradoxically, more atmospheric than its predecessor, the somewhat lackluster "Cran Ull". It could be argued that they helped Clannad steer a course towards a new age sound from which Enya would later borrow and earn millions , but that's for another day, because on this day CLANNAD comes as close to lively Irish folk as they ever have.

Even the simple intro to "Na Buachaillí Álainn" portends an awareness that a new sound needs an entrance, especially one that sings about beautiful lads, and the strummed accompaniment to the sisters' tandem attack on vocals form the perfect opener. The next track is sung by one of the gentleman, and well, backed by Maire and Enya, and translates to "She enticed me with her voice". It's more adventurous, with a superb melody, a kind of "slow swing", with a very creative break enhanced by guest artists on clarinet and lead guitar solos.

A couple of significant breakthroughs: Enya sings lead on two tracks, "An Túll", which showcases her airier voice and playful electric piano, and the jazzy closer "Buaireadh An Phósta". "Ní Lá Na Gaoithe Lá Na Scoilb?" is their most progressive and rocking tune to that point. From its ambient beginning with keyboards, strummed guitars and brief chant like vocals, it transforms into an extended jam led by saxophone which briefly cedes to flute before returning and working itself up into a crescendo, It's like a shaking off the cobwebs type of piece that 1990s Clannad would have done well to emulate.

Even the more traditional sounding tunes cannot be ignored - "Mhórag 'S Na Horo Gheallaidh" is mostly acapella but includes subtle organ accompaniment, and "The Green Fields Of Gaothdobhair" imparts a spacey vibe where whistle and synthesizer meet, which would become more common in the group's arrangements as the decade neared its midpoint. "Strayed Away" and "Lish Young Buy a Broom" both flash a playful side, particularly the latter, a drinking song by Clannad!

With "Fuaim", we see Clannad advancing the transformation that began with "Cran Ull", evolving from a trad Celtic folk group into a unique proponent of progressive folk 1980s style, but before adopting many of the period arrangements that would diminish a few of the subsequent albums. Hence "Fuaim" is a best of breed transitional album that establishes a sound as precocious as it is new.

Nicky and Roma Ryan's managerial skills had helped Clannad build a solid foundation, and younger Brennan sister Enya had started becoming involved as of the preceding album; Fuaim is the sole album on which Enya was a full band member, and after its completion she and the Ryans would part ways from Clannad to pursue Enya's distinctive New Age musical vision. The creative tensions involved perhaps teased something a little special out of Clannad on Fuaim, with their well-established Irish folk stylings incorporating jazzy touches and tasty synthesisers like never before. The end result is an album which is often overshadowed by their later mega-successful 1980s output, but arguably was a necessary stepping stone along the way to that sound.

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!).