The renewed interest in folk seems to be heading down two paths. One is towards power folk and folk rock, even crustie, the other is about going back to the more traditional sounds and a revival in the more organic side of the music and Tannas are part of that school.
Sung mainly in Gaelic "Oighreachd" draws on the vocal tradition in Scottish music rather than the more familiar dance/ceilidh aspects and is strong on vocal harmony.
Tannas are a five piece consisting of three girls and two boys with the girls providing the vocal aspects of the album and the boys the instrumentation, the exception is Julia Legge, who seems to go both ways, musically.
It's an album that's strong on atmosphere and feeling, which is a good thing if you can't understand
Gaelic and is well performed. The vocals are always tight and clear and there is plenty of energy
cooking away just below the surface.
That said there are times you feel the band really want to cut loose and almost want to attack a couple of the tracks as if they were Wolfstone only just lacking the courage or the volition to do so.
"Oighreachd Heritage" is an album that promises much and delivers most of that promise. Tannas are a band that have got what it takes and hopefully will be following this album south for the festival
