The Gap of Dreams
Altan · 2018
59 min · 13 tracks · world music
A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies intertwines with contemporary arrangements, celebrating cultural heritage in every note.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Month of January — This track beautifully showcases Altan's ability to blend emotive vocals with intricate instrumentals, creating an atmosphere that resonates with the weight of winter's reflection.
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Dark Inishowen — A poignant piece that captures the essence of place through haunting melodies and evocative storytelling, reflecting the band's deep connection to their homeland.
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Fare Thee Well, a Stór — This track stands out through its heartfelt lyrics and dynamic arrangement, illustrating themes of love and loss with a timeless quality that speaks to listeners across generations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music with strong craftsmanship and distinct melodies.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a medley that combines three distinct traditional tunes, setting a lively tone for the record.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a brisk tempo while others slow down to highlight lyrical content.
- The final track is a poignant farewell ballad that contrasts sharply with the energetic jigs earlier in the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic journey throughout
- heartfelt storytelling in every track
- vibrant energy for gatherings
- rich textures for intimate listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 2, 2018, The Gap of Dreams is Altan's eleventh studio album, following their 2015 release, The Poison Glen. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as one of the leading acts in Irish folk music, continuing to innovate while honoring their roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lúnasa· The Chieftains· Clannad
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Gap of Dreams / Nia’s Jig / The Beekeeper 5:24
- 2 The Month of January 5:48
- 3 Seán sa Cheo / Tuar / Oíche Fheidhmiúil (A Spirited Night) 3:57
- 4 Bacach Shíl Andaí 4:25
- 5 The Piper in the Cave / An Ghaoth Aniar Aneas (The South-West Wind) 5:05
- 6 Níon a’ Bhaoigheallaigh 6:20
- 7 The Tullaghan Lasses / The Cameronian / The Pigeon on the Gate 4:01
- 8 An Bealach Seo ‘Tá Romham (This Road Ahead of Me) 3:34
- 9 Dark Inishowen 5:24
- 10 The Templehouse Strathspey & Reel / John Mhosey McGinley’s / The Mermaid of Mullaghmore 4:17
- 11 Cumha an Oileáin 4:23
- 12 Port Alex 2:24
- 13 Fare Thee Well, a Stór 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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