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File Ceili Rain under "Bands I MUST check out." And their newest album, "Whatever Makes You Dance," as a great place to start.
It is one of the world’s seven greatest absurdities that Jessica Simpson gets press and Ceili Rain does not. This undervalued band is unique, innovative, and fronted by one of the industry’s brightest and liveliest players, Bob Halligan. Do yourself a favor and pick up “Whatever Makes You Dance,” their 7th album. Like the others, it overflows with charm, wit, zest, audacity, spiritual insight, creative instrumentation, and sheer kick-up-your-heels fun. The tin whistle and promising beats of the opening title track do not disappoint, moving into a textured, sizzling romp lead by Halligan’s alluring on-point vocals. Like much of their music, the melody line is lovely, the lyrics uplifting, and an underlying air of playful mischief flows through it all. You know you’re in for a good time before the first track is halfway over. By the time the R&B-flavored rocker “Live Like Jesus Did” hits, you’re outta your seat. The joyfully rambunctious “Joy Robbers” just may have you up on the table top with its soulful rock. But it’s not all happy feet with Ceili Rain. Listen closely to the poignant, humble lyrics of “Kneeling,” pure Halligan in its insight and moving wisdom. Bob Halligan writes with the power of a Derek Webb or a Sara Groves; he’s just sneakier. His often sly perceptions are cloaked in such lively format they’re easily overlooked. “Kneeling” is very straightforward though, presenting perhaps the most Biblical commentary on war that I’ve heard yet. And the piano-driven “I’m Not Dude, I’m Dad” offers parental wisdom of high caliber. The whimsical “If God Was Chocolate” addresses our human resistance to prayer, whereas the harder-rocking “Shut Up and Pray” puts a stronger point on it. The bouncy rocker “Shush” is reminiscent of Van Morrison in its airy movement and underlying slow burn, pronouncing his unwillingness to remain silent. For this we give thanks. Ceili Rain does a little experimenting with rhythms this time out too, adding a Mid-Eastern flair to “Truth or Trouble” (and a blistering guitar solo) and “Die Trying.” The straight ballad “Breastplate of St. Patrick” is lovely and hymn-like, a bit unusual for them, but powerful and moving just the same. Enjoy “Whatever Makes You Dance” for its lively instrumentation (backing up the guitars and drums with whistles, violin, mandolin, sax, and accordion), for its playful sense of fun, and for its loving wisdom. But enjoy it you must.
The copyright of the article Ceili Rain: Review in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Ceili Rain: Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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