What makes The Widening Gyre by Altan notable?

The Widening Gyre received significant critical acclaim for its fresh interpretations of traditional Irish music, reaffirming Altan's status in the world music scene. The album was noted for its intricate arrangements and instrumental virtuosity, contributing to a renewed interest in Irish folk music among new audiences. Released in 2015, The Widening Gyre is Altan's first album since their acclaimed 2013 release, featuring a blend of traditional and modern influences. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as one of Ireland's foremost traditional music groups, continuing to evolve while honoring their roots.

Who is The Widening Gyre for?

The Widening Gyre works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, heartfelt performances that resonate and traditional melodies with fresh interpretations.

How many songs are on The Widening Gyre?

The Widening Gyre has 14 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

The Widening Gyre

Altan · 2015

59 min · 14 tracks · world music

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with contemporary sensibilities, showcasing the depth of Altan's musical heritage.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Maggie’s Pancakes / Píobaire an Chéide / The Friel Deal — This opening track showcases the band's signature blend of lively jigs and reels, setting the tone for the album with its infectious energy and complex interplay between instruments.
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No Ash Will Burn — A hauntingly beautiful piece that highlights the emotive power of vocals in traditional Irish music, this track stands out for its lyrical depth and melodic richness.
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The House Carpenter (Gypsy Davy) — This rendition merges storytelling with musicality, illustrating the band's ability to bring narrative-driven songs to life through intricate instrumentation and vocal harmonies.
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Far Beyond Carrickfinn — This song encapsulates a sense of longing and reflection, enriched by its lush arrangement and evocative instrumental solos that capture the essence of place and memory.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional and contemporary elements effectively, though it remains within familiar territory for its genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate vocal harmonies that blend seamlessly with the instrumentation, enhancing the overall texture.
The sequencing alternates between lively jigs and slower ballads, creating a dynamic flow throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 performances that resonate
traditional melodies with fresh interpretations
for social gatherings
inviting rhythms for dancing

Maybe skip if you

seekers of fast-paced tracks
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2015, The Widening Gyre is Altan's first album since their acclaimed 2013 release, featuring a blend of traditional and modern influences. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as one of Ireland's foremost traditional music groups, continuing to evolve while honoring their roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Lúnasa· The Chieftains· Clannad