Kíla - Tóg é go bog é (Kíla records) Kíla's second album is that of a band who feel they have nothing more to prove. While at times on "Mind the Gap", they seemed as if they were trying too hard, this album is far more relaxed. Kíla make it seem easy to contemporise trad music, without damaging any of the traditions involved. The album is pure world music, with a distinctly Irish base. Dead Can Dance are an obvious influence, acknowledgment is given to Brendan Perry in the "thanks" list, as are the traditional musics of many difference parts of the world. There is an African feel to the vocal tracks, like the title track, and "Leanfaidh Mé", while the instrumental tracks that make up most of the album are incredibly varied. >From the cosack style of Rusty Nails to the solo uileann pipes in the breath-taking "The Seige of Carrickfinn"..., the band prove they can play all different kinds of music. But, the most important thing is that they are all eminently listenable. These are not just music meistros showing off what they can do with their various instruments, but people playing music they feel comfortable with the best they can. Kíla manage to make old music seem new. At times you have to remind yourself that the music you are listening to is played on a tin whistle, not an electric guitar. This is music that can be compared as easily to the ambient sounds of Aphex Twin as to the straight trad of the Chieftains. This album is not a statement about Irish culture or language, it is just a bunch of musicians playing music. Music beyond normal communication, so don't worry if you can't understand the words, just try and feel the music. by Donnacha DeLong