Tuesday, June 19, 2007 - Source: Mike Farragher, Celtic Lounge

Sean Agus Nua is an album I've been waiting for. I've been watching with a sense of anticipation as Ireland has struggled with its sense of nationalism and identity in recent years; with the Celtic Tiger changing the landscape of Europe, Ireland has become a destination spot for immigrants hoping for a better life. There has been a collective hand wringing by some about the Irish sense of identity over the prospect of these foreign elements joining our Celtic bloodstream. As an Irish music columnist, I have been giddy over the possibility of other cultures weaving through our ancient melodies to redefine the "trad" sound of our storied culture. (read the full article on "Celtic Lounge")

Jackie Hayden, Hot Press, 16 June, 2007

There's probably no mention of masturbation on the 16-track compilation Sean Agus Nua, celebrating the musical variety available these days in Galway. The excellent Lonneke Godjin joins with accordionist Steve MacSuibhne for "Ach Vaderlief", a cute Dutch folksy tune, "Cher Che Moi" by Baslowa is a gripping sample of Congolese Rhumba, and "Bazaar Rumours" by Alale is a mongrelisation of Spanish, Irish, Indian and Greek folk styles. An intriguing collection that also contains contributions from Hungarian, Ukranian and Filipino acts, this is a more compelling mix of music from many nations than that bloody Eurovision