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Natural Angle
Compass Records ***

TRADITIONAL:Hard-won experience and endless miles on the road, crossed with evidently capacious quantities of gumbo and counsel from the great Tim O’Brien (on production and vocals duties here), have resulted in Gráda’s strongest album to date. There’s a focus, discipline and restraint at play throughout Natural Anglethat was missing from their most recent studio outings. And, though they’ve lost a linchpin in flute player and composer Alan Doherty, they’ve matured and coalesced as an ensemble with impressive effect. A raft of original songs and tunes (highlights include Bottom of the Hilland Brendan Sheehan’s) are peppered with left-field visitors, including a bold remake of Mississippi John Hurt’s Louis Collins. O’Brien’s steadying influence is everywhere palpable, but particularly in the glorious space between the notes. Gráda have finally found a place they can call home. www.gradamusic.com