On January 23, 2026, Celtic band Astro Boc released their self-titled debut album. Members of the band hail from Ireland and Scotland. The album was mixed by Scott Wood and recorded by Scott Wood & Adam Rhodes at Assumption Studios.
The band features Eryn Rae, a Scottish fiddler who was named
BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year Eryn Rae, and Paul
Jennings, who is an internationally-known percussionist. Instrumentalist
Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín and Gillie O’Flaherty are also members of the band who are
featured on the album.
The album was produced by Mohsen Amini, who is a member of
the Scottish band Talisk. Fans of Talisk will be able to see how similar the vibes
are between Astro Bloc and Talisk. Astro Bloc’s music is ever so slightly
lighter and more “airy” than Talisk’s music.
One word that listeners will use to describe this album is “joyful.”
It is an absolute delight to listen to. This album is perfect for dancers to dance
to. Listeners will feel an immediate moment of happiness come over them as they
listen to this album. In a day and age when things seem dark and sad, listening
to music that brings joy to the world is an act of resistance and self-care.
The songs on the album take traditional Celtic music and
modernize it perfectly. Those who are fans of bands like Talisk will find this
album highly enjoyable. The songs are all instrumental and incorporate a wide variety
of instruments throughout the album.
Each song on the album has a different style and feel to it,
even though they all feature traditional Celtic music. This keeps listeners
engaged throughout the album. Ultimately, the band has a consistent “voice”
that is ever present throughout the album.
Even though the songs are all instrumental, they all tell a
story that is told through each note played by the instruments. Listeners will
be transported to a place or scenario without leaving their current location.
Overall, this is a great album for those who are interested
in traditional Celtic music with a twist. Fans of bands like Talisk will especially
like the album, as the bands’ sounds are all similar.
Track List:
1. Intro
2. Mesa
3. April
4. Le Kleub
5. Honk
6. Outbreak
7. Resurrect
8. Deer Park
9. Interlude
10. D'ya Know
Related Articles:
-Album Review: "Days of Ash" by U2: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2026/02/album-review-days-of-ash-by-u2.html
-Album Review: "Phases" by Beoga: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/album-review-phases-by-beoga.html
-Talisk Collaborate With Valtos, Release "Ember": https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/talisk-collaborate-with-valtos-release-ember.html