Lankum’s ‘False Lankum’ is a haunting and hypnotic album that defies easy categorization. Drawing on a wide range of musical influences, from traditional Irish folk to avant-garde experimentalism, the band creates a sound that is both timeless and fiercely contemporary.

One of the most striking things about False Lankum is the band’s willingness to experiment with form and structure. While the songs are rooted in traditional folk structures, Lankum is unafraid to stretch and distort these conventions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the genre. This results in a sound that is both familiar and alien, drawing the listener in with a sense of familiarity before challenging them with unexpected twists and turns.

The instrumentation on the album is equally inventive, with the band making use of everything from fiddles and pipes to synthesizers and drones. The result is a sound that is at once earthy and ethereal, combining the grit and texture of traditional folk with the otherworldly beauty of more experimental music.

Throughout the album, the lyrics are poetic and evocative, drawing on a rich tradition of Irish storytelling to create vivid and compelling narratives. Yet there is a rawness and urgency to these words that is uniquely contemporary, reflecting the band’s deep engagement with the political and social issues of our time.

Perhaps most impressive of all, however, is the way that the group is able to balance these weighty themes with moments of sheer musical beauty. Whether it’s the soaring harmonies on the album’s more uplifting tracks or the haunting minimalism of its more introspective moments, there is a sense of deep emotional resonance that runs through every note and every lyric.

The album is a stunning achievement, a testament to the power of music to connect us to our past, our present, and our future. With its boundary-pushing experimentation, its poetic lyricism, and its unflinching engagement with the world around us, it is an album that demands to be heard and cherished.

For Fans Of: Richard Dawson, Fairport Convention, Trembling Bells