On June 6, 2025, Irish band Beoga released their latest album, “Phases.” The band consists of Liam Bradley, Niamh Dunne, Sean Og Graham, Eamon Murray, Damian McKeem, and Foy Vance. The album was produced by Alex Borwick and Sean Og Graham.
The band expertly blends traditional sounds and styles with a modern approach. While it is important to remember traditional music styles, it is also important to acknowledge the future of Irish music and allow the music to change as the years go on. The stories and music of the past are still relevant and are remembered by plenty of current musicians, but other musicians have taken on the task of moving the music genre forward. Beoga has done so beautifully and respectfully.
The album is a mix of instrumental tunes and songs with vocals and lyrics. The vocals also resemble the traditional Irish vocals of the past, but with new lyrics and melodies. Listeners will are transported to Ireland and will feel like they are time-traveling as they bounce between modern sounds blended with more traditional feels.
“Shore Road Punk” was the first single off the album. It is an instrumental track that has the feel of being on the shore of a body of water. It is a relaxing song and tends to lean more traditional than modern, but it does have moments when the modern sounds come out strong.
“Subject to Change” has a traditional style with some modern twists thrown in. For me, the title accurately sums up what Beoga has done with this album and their music as a whole: pay homage to traditional Irish music while making it desirable and accessible to modern audiences.
“Tradfather” reminds me of Talisk’s style, especially during their “Unleashed” show. This song combines modern digital flair with a traditional feel. People may be skeptical of the more modern approach to traditional music, but the band does a good job at blending the styles while staying true to the traditional feel. Other bands have struggled with this, but Beoga does it seamlessly.
Overall, this album is perfect for those who love traditional Irish music but are also looking for a more modern twist. Those who like Talisk will appreciate the styles presented on this album, even though Talisk is a Scottish band. The band does a great job of bringing traditional music to the world through a modern lens.
Track List:
1. Anne Bonny
2. Subject to Change
3. Tradfather
4. Firewater
5. Blackbirds & Thrushes
6. Phases
7. Shore Road Punk
8. Low Lady Low
9. Monos
10. Old Fashioned Waltz
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