What's the Rumpus? A Review of the Latest Release by Gaelic Storm

Gaelic Storm's most recent CD seems rather familiar from the very first listen. What's the Rumpus, like the past few releases, contains a couple of pipe sets, a couple of fiddle sets, a song sung in gaelic, a ballad, and a collection of quirky, funny party songs. There's even the obligatory new member in the mix. Each of the bands' previous 4 releases was a "first recording" with the band for a new member. This CD introduces fiddler Jessie Burns.

Based on that, one could say Gaelic Storm is getting a bit formulaic. The band is dangerously close to becoming too comfortable, producing CDs that sound exactly like the last few they've released. There is nothing so new here it will evoke even mild surprise in fans already familiar with the band's work. However, the formula does still work for them, and the resulting CD is an upbeat, enjoyable listen.

The title track, "What's the Rumpus" is a high energy song definitely created with live performances in mind. Gaelic Storm is infamous for their rollicking concerts with fans dancing in the isles and in front of the stage, and this song is for those people. It kicks the CD off with a wallop and includes a silly, easy refrain designed for singing along. Fans of Steve Wehemeyer, former didj and bodhran player and singer for the band, will be happy to know that he is still very much involved in the creative process for Gaelic Storm. This song smacks of his style, and indeed, Wehermeyer is credited as a co writer for this song as well as 6 others on the CD.

The obligatory song sung in gaelic this time around is "Beidh Aonach Amárach," which translates "There's Going to be a Fair Tomorrow." Listeners familiar with a more traditional version will hardly recognize this version at first. The band has given this traditional song an arrangement that is decidedly Gaelic Storm in style. It works, though not as well as the hauntingly beautiful "An Cailin Deas Rua" from the CD How are we Getting Home, or the fun version of "Purnbalk a bule'" they recorded on Tree.

While marketing seems to place emphasis on the more whimsical songs, which have their place, my favorite Gaelic Storm songs are ballads and traditional sets. One of the freshest tracks on the CD was written by newcomer Jesse Burns. "The Mechanical Bull," a lively tune featuring her fiddle, has an interesting story behind it. If Patrick Murphy's stage story is to be believed, Jesse managed to stay astride a mechanical bull far longer than any of her band mates, and the tune is named for that momentous occasion. It starts off slow and gives way to a contemporary arrangement full of energy, much like one might imagine a ride on a mechanical bull.

The most lovely song on CD by far is "Faithful Land," co-written by Murphy, Twigger, & Wehemeyer. Beautiful lyrics evoke images of a land associated with home, and home being a part of oneself. This is a common theme in Irish songs, but the lyrics in "Faithful Land" are slightly more obscure, which makes it a song a wider audience can relate to.

It's just a feeling I can't touch,
something I cant see, something I cant see, lives inside of me,
It's In my bones and in my blood
Don't know what it is, but I know its good
Beneath my feet this faithful land
It's all I understand

Pete Purivs on Uillean Pipes adds the perfect touch the gentle arrangement of instruments featured in this song. It isn't the track most hyped by the publicity machine, but it's my favorite.

Gaelic Storm is touring extensively this year and has paired up with Aer Lingus for another Trip to Ireland Giveaway. For more information or to purchase their CDs, please visit their web site.

Track Listing for What's the Rumpus?

1. Whats The Rumpus?
Murphy, Twigger, Wehemeyer
2. Lovers Wreck
Murphy, Twigger, Wehemeyer
3. Darcys Donkey
Murphy, Twigger, Wehemeyer
4. The Mechanical Bull
Burns/Trad
5. Human To A God
Twigger, Wehemeyer
6. Slim Jim And The Seven Eleven Girl
Twigger
7. Dont Let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story)
Murphy, Twigger, Wehemeyer
8. The Samurai Set
Trad/Arr. by GS
9. Beidh Aonach Amárach
Trad/Sandy Mathers
10. Death Ride To Durango
Trad
11. Faithful Land
Murphy, Twigger, Wehemeyer
12. If Good Times Were Dollars
Twigger
13. Floating The Flambeau
Burns/Purvis/Trad
14. The Night I Punched Russell Crowe
Murphy, Twigger