The Space Between

For their new inter-Celtic album, the five-piece Mabon, led by the accordion and voice of Jamie Smith, enlisted Jim Moray for mixing, post-production and keyboards, and the new material draws on influences from right across the Celtic regions – no surprise when you consider the band is based between Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and England. ‘48 in Ortigueira’ is inspired by Galicia, ‘Go Kemper!’ by Brittany, ‘Croeso Ioan’ by Wales (with some Scandi seasoning), while in ‘Returning from Where I’ve Never Been’, Smith protests the economic apartheid that's becoming increasingly entrenched between the executive boardroom and everyone else.

There is some great playing, and the toughness of the guitar on ‘Frank's Reels’ adds energetic new colours to the instrumental mix. There are prog-rock touches too – keyboard runs reminiscent of early Genesis, showing Moray at work. It is the big instrumentals – the likes of ‘Accordionist's Despair’, a full-on folk-rock sweating-out of any excess fat – that are still the biggest selling-point for Mabon. With its broad reach, this album is a welcome addition to the catalogue.