From the opening of Ailm, when you’re greeted by the gutsy voice of Maighread Ni Ghrasta, you know you’re in for a journey like no other. Ailm, is the new album from Blackbird & Crow, a Donegal duo featuring Maighread Ni Ghrasta and Stephen Doohan which is set for release on 24 January via German label MIG. The duo describe the album as “a personal album that deals with loss, alienation, rejection, abuse, addiction and self-loathing. Sometimes it is not easy listening. It is an intense act of courage in that it gives a big voice to the most vulnerable parts of a troubled soul.”
Such harsh and honest explorations also contain elements of beauty, heightened by the unforgettable vocals of Maighread which carry a strong presence throughout as she tips the scales one way and then the other, it really is unlike anything I’ve heard before. The accompanying press suggests that a lot of personal experience finds its way into the lyrics, offering a pitiless view into the past, as well as their native Ireland.
The album’s title is perfectly symbolic of this – ‘Ailm’ is the Irish name of the twentieth letter of the Ogham alphabet; in the glossary “Tree Alphabet,” ‘Ailm’ represents the conifer. In the tree lore of Celtic mythology, the conifer stands for the healing of one’s own soul… It is, however, also the symbol for healing, protection, purification, guidance, fertility, energy, clarity, health, integrity and objectivity. “We think that this word and symbol represents us and our songs very well,” says Maighread. “A conifer can brave very rough conditions and can grow anywhere. We’ve been through a lot; many good things have happened to us, but also plenty of bad things. ‘Ail’ stands for our journey so far.”
We’ll be bringing you more on the album soon, in the meantime, watch the excellent animated video for ‘A Pox On You’ by Steve McCollum (aka Bill Hazzard).
Pre-Order Ailm here: https://blackbirdandcrow.lnk.to/ailm
Photo Credit: Megan Doherty