Aeons: Fís review – Electronica and the Irish language together at last

Aeons is the new electronic project by sean nós singer and TV presenter Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and folk and trad musician Pádraig Rynne.

Taking their diverse range in musical abilities, they've created something more contemporary on Fís, their debut album that's almost entirely as Gaeilge, with the likes of Daithí looping traditional fiddle with electronic music. It's about time the textured Irish language got a look-in.

This is not intended for clubs at 3am; Fís sets a chilling atmosphere, riding the wave of the storm that the album narrates. Nic Amhlaoibh's rich voice weaves through the static beats of Drochshúil, and her sean nós style intentionally jars on Stoirm, where mild John Talabot screams punctuate a house beat, creating a daring juxtaposition.

Rubberbandits's Blindboy lends a verse on Cúramaí an tSaoil, and while its message of self-care works on paper, it's less polished on record.

Fís is an exciting venture but it feels like both musicians are tied to the structure of their traditional backgrounds, occasionally limiting their experimentation. With almost a clean slate to work from, there's nothing stopping Aeons going bigger, darker and bolder with their sound.

hey’ve set the bar, now all they have to do is raise it.