Comas is a four-piece traditional band hailing from various corners of the world: the USA's Jackie Moran (bodhran, percussion), Sylvain Barou from Brittany (flutes, uilleann pipes), Ireland's Aidan Burke (fiddle) and Belgium's Philip Masure (guitar, cittern, vocals). Their overall sound is predominantly Celtic, though the influences of other traditions inevitably add to their eclectic flavour. Not content with just these four musical maestros, Comas is also joined by some impressive guest musicians.

"Comas" is Gaelic for power, and boy, is this album packed with plenty of it! Right from the outset Comas delivers an astounding set of tunes, setting off at a phenomenal pace with Moran beating out a mind-blowing rhythm on the bodhran, whilst Barou's punchy and effervescent flute leaps out over Burke's energetic fiddle.

The first guest to make an appearance is Ireland's Daithi Rua, who performs his exquisite song "Causeway." Rua has a powerful voice with telling Irish intonations, combining perfectly with Comas's sympathetic accompaniment and Helen Flaherty's gorgeous harmonies -- the sum of these mighty parts presents the listener with a soaring ballad that positively aches with desire.

Barou's resonant flute takes centre stage on "Iris," alongside guest musician, Guido Piccard, who also composed this elegiac piece. The ring of Piccard's cittern offers a delightful paradox alongside the smooth flow of Barou's flute. Piccard's cittern puts in another appearance on the track that follows, the Eastern-flavoured set, "East Link/JJ's Cockroach" -- a departure in style from the Celtic sounds that preceded, but just as rhythmic and captivating and a fine example of Comas's exhilarating musical diversity.

"The Rambling Irishman" kicks off with Moran's incredible bodhran, whilst the rest of the band is joined by David Munnelly's accordion, filling out the sound somewhat and providing an energetic backdrop for Philip Masure's crisp, rich vocals -- you'd swear from his voice that this guy was Irish, though he's actually Belgian!

Comas excels on this exuberant and committed collection of tunes and songs, of both contemporary and traditional origin. You will not be able to keep still for a minute once you hear their electrifying sound -- I guarantee!

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