Though the group would eventually drift into new age territory, with its second effort Clannad was still rooted firmly in traditionalism. Sung almost entirely in Gaelic, Clannad 2 is moody and deliberate, with flashes here and there of romantic yearning or sighing wistfulness. It's played entirely on acoustic instruments and features some great solos from flutist Pol Brennan, particularly on the instrumental "Fairly Shot of Her." Maire Brennan's expressive vocals are of course the album's centerpiece; she can express emotion with subtle changes of inflection or use the full power of the Gaelic language to link Clannad's music to Irish history. This she does to almost scary effect on the driving reel "Gabhar Ban." At the same time, Brennan teams with male harmony for the lilting "Rince Briotanach," which, with its jaunty feel, is the exact opposite of its darker cousin. Together with its counterpart "Dheanainn Sugradh," the latter track blends Ireland's own music with a medieval quality that's particularly striking. It's true that Clannad became known more for fusing roots with modernism than sticking to tradition. But the austere Clannad 2 followed the lead of groups like Planxty and Fairport Convention looking inward and backward for real inspiration. In the process, Clannad made one of its most memorable and powerful albums. ~ Johnny Loftus