Isle of Tides

From such a well-established band as Eden's Bridge, you would expect excellence. With Isle of Tides you get it.

This album has so many strengths, yet its thematic unity paradoxically is "our human condition is a fragile one".

Full of sensitive contrasts from epic crescendos to whispered details, there are so many special elements, due in part to vast instrumentation, balanced and integrated to create a seamless flow.

The instrumentalists (David Bird, Terl Bryant, Sarah Lacy, Richard Lacy, Jon Large Michael McGoldrick, Simeon Wood) are masters of their craft. They are not afraid to exploit simplicity of instrumentation to good effect and can incorporate complex layers of strings, pipes, keyboards and percussion with a balance that is always just right for the theme. There is a predominance of acoustic sound, supported by synthesized sound, which never overpowers. There are many examples of creative lyrics as well such as the unexpected imagery in "Looking Down". We are usually exhorted to look up, but here we are encouraged to look down to see the path and follow the Lord's footsteps.

"Creator of Creation" begins with a mysterious soundscape swelling into uilleann pipes and drums. The unexpected emphasis on shorter vocal lines after long sentences drives the message home, as does modulation from minor to major juxtaposing opposition with strength. The lyrics are reminiscent of St. Patrick's Breastplate. Thanks for letting the instrumentalists jam on for a while after this powerful creedal cry.

There is shining poetic creativity in "Keep Me Sailing", in which the backup musicians crochet a sound as delicate and fine as antique lace:

Who can ride this indigo stairway?
And who can tame the patterns of blue?
And where are feet to ride the white horses?
With You, with You.

"From Here to Today" features a unique guitar rhythm backup, which again matches the theme of the lyrics.

The instrumentalists are released to go for it on track 11 with a slip jig and reel. These superb players could play without the addition of vocals anywhere; it is great to hear them shine.

Sarah Lacy's precise yet distinctive diction and expressive voice convey the theme of the faith journey with all its emotions throughout.

Age-old yet contemporary themes of brokenness, struggle, commitment, service and joy are based on Biblical truth ("search among the patterns at my feet", "serve your brother whom I will reach through you", "belief in Three, confessing One", "the earth waits for Your coming", "where you search determines what you'll find").

The liner notes are not as flawless as the music. There are a few typos (font glitches). The front cover is vague (what are those 5 shapes in the box?)

Many of the tunes deal with faith vs. failure. As mentioned, there are examples of fresh, thought provoking lyrics. However, some of the lyrics are too general. Rather than singing, "storms may rage," they could choose a particular stormy life situation and sing about it and its resolution. Celtic songs are notorious for being specific about life's troubles and joys. Truth is in the particular. Look at Jesus' parables. These talented writers could be more direct and specific to create an even more memorable message.

This is an immense project, which comes forth as a heartfelt prayer. "I can see the guiding hand."

--Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com