Formed over twenty years ago and named after their grandfather, sisters Jolene, Lorna and Karen McLaughlin make up the excellent irish folk group The Henry Girls. Having heard tracks by the trio over the years, they had long been on my list to check out. So it was excellent to be given the chance to listen to A TIME TO GROW their seventh album. I don’t think its giving too much away to say that I was not disappointed and added their other recordings to my list of things to track down.
Written during lockdown “A Time To Grow” is lyrically broad enough to have the power of a folk song. Musically it blends the groups stunning harmonies with traditional Irish music. A collaboration with Boston based singer Ry Cavanaugh, “Leaving Dublin” despite its misty harp and accordion intro has a 70s sultry soft rock feel, like a Celtic Stevie Nicks Fleetwood Mac ballad. The emotion and quiet storm of the singing is incredible and very much another side to The Henry Girls. “Clouds” and “Ag Taisteal” are the trio’s experimental side, instrumental pieces of minimalism with sampled studio chat and atmospherics. “Breathe”, pushes the sound again. Think the chamber folk of The Unthanks meeting The Staves with a soft mantra of words, clouds of harmonies, Joleen’s harp like falling rain and soft brass backing. “Honeybee/Hard Border” is a simply beautiful dreamy fiddle, whistle and harp piece commemorating band friend Paul Moore. Paul was fascinated by the idea thst foraging honey bees took no notice of man made borders. “Where Are We Now” explores ideas of loneliness and grief witg stunning group vocals that build in intensity like choral Rock Music. “Not Your Fight” crackles with Psych Folk edge, delivered by by Rioghnach Connolly’s guest vocal, Karen’s fiddle and the final guitar heavy arrangement. “Inghinidhe na hEireann” (Daughters of Ireland), with Lorna’s piano and some stirring strings celebrates a group of fearless women who were pivotal in Ireland’s struggle for independence. With Karen’s ukulele, “Colours In The Sky” has the jazzy folk pop sparkle of Fairground Attraction or Eddi Reader. Driven by a very contemporary beat, “Winter’s Day” has a touch of the ethereal Pop of Lorde or Phoebe Bridgers but still underpinned by th vital glow of The Henry Girls voices and music. “Dont Fear The Night” dips back into that seductivr Fairground Attraction / Puppini Sisters seductive jazzy lushness the Henrys do so well. With a soft brass and clarinet led lullaby the trio sashays away into the night.
So I’d recommend taking the time to listen to The Henry Girls’ latest. Its a cracking cocktail of amazing familial harmonies, strong musicianship, as with a small set of supporting players, The Henry Girls show how far you can go with traditional inspired music while keeping it fresh and exciting.
Marc Higgins 22/03/24
Self released 12 tracks
Time Past and Time Passing 