by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Homeland
Album: "We Never Got This Far Alone"
Year produced: 2005

The fact that this band has shared the stage with musical giants such as Black 47, Flogging Molly, The Prodigals and Gaelic Storm gives the first clue that Homeland might be a real Celtic rock contender--and "We Never Got This Far Alone" does not disappoint that hope. Often hailed as a fusion of "new rock and old Celtic," this is a band that is not quite that easily categorized.

Each band member contributes considerably to the mix here and it pays off big. Lead vocalist Scott McGillivray has the gutsy voice of a rocker, needed to lead out songs that beg for that kind of command such as track 3, "The Descent." He nails it--and the guitar screams beside his vocals, providing excitement to the song as well. Truth be told, the cry of Ric Smith's fiddle is really as much of a presence as if it were another person singing--especially on track 1, "Heros Dead," where it fits beautifully and sounds amazing. The musical arrangements here are intriguing, far from typical, and full of life--and none of it would be complete without the bass sounds of Rob Koogler or the expert drum work of Jeremy Washburn.

Fans of Celtic rock that are really wanting to check out something fresh should pick this CD up. Between the talents of the band, the skilled musical arrangements and the polished sound, it is a real winner.

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Marc Gunn's Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at www.moonbeamdigital.com.

Labels: cd_review_2007

Posted by Marc Gunn, Friday, March 16, 2007.
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