I am Irish and I have a deep love for Celtic rock. I like bagpipes (sorry) and love hearing songs about the home of my family’s birth and the plight, struggle and triumph. It is important to know where you came from so that you can have a better understanding of why you are who you are and where you may be going. I was happy to see Fiskum performing a song entitled “Winter Moon” – an Irish and Welsh song, actually performed IN Welsh. It made me feel like I was there – I enjoyed it immensely and I was hoping that the rest of the tracks were similar in taste because the music on the track was wonderfully performed – not overly produced so the sound was imperfect. The vocals were very soothing and organic as I have heard from Irish performers in the past.

I was thrown for a loop because the song I listened to next, “Distant Star”, is sung by a man. I was confused since the first song – “Winter Moon” was a woman. In either case it was very soulful. He has tremendous vocals that allow you to open yourself to feel the nature of the music – that is not always easy to do. My only gripe is that it is SO old school – I meant it’s very much a Josh Grobin sort of song. It is slow and mournful despite some great electric guitar. I guess you could say it is very Broadway.

The majority of the tunes were slow and mournful. I didn’t know if I was meant to enjoy myself or want to slit my wrists. I opted for the enjoying. I would like to see something more up tempo. Need more oomph and something that shows off some skill because we can tell you can play a piano and the guitar work is off the hook good. I am hoping that whatever they do next will have something to show off a little edgier side because right now I think I could manhandle the entire group and beat them about their bodies with bagels on strings. Need depth.

If you are into the slow, mournful stuff that reminds you of an Irish funeral then Fiskum is right up your alley. Of course, if you like music that is well arranged, beautifully played, and sung then Fiskum is also for you. If you want something that is edgy with some hard riffs then you will be out of luck.