Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly have announced the release of their second album The Beautiful Road on July 28th this summer on Claddagh Records.
The news is preceded by a single called ‘Níl Aon Easpa Orm’, meaning “not lacking in courage”. It of course, comes with a video, assisted by artificial intelligence made by the project’s own creative videographer Myles O’Reilly.
The Beautiful Road is called “a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover.’
The video was made by Rónán, Myles, and dancer Mufutau Yusuf in the hills of Loughcrew, Co. Meath, a location adorned with ancient Neolithic and megalithic burial tombs and monuments…
For centuries, this site served as the final resting place for esteemed figures of the Stone Age and Bronze Age, including kings, queens, druids, and other significant individuals. At Loughcrew, seasonal ceremonies and celebrations took place, symbolically connecting the living with the mystical realm known as the Otherworld.
Myles explains:
“In our video, Rónán and Mufutau embody this tradition, visiting the Otherworld to dance together and pay homage to our ancestors, just as it had been practiced for thousands of years in this sacred place. From the hill’s summit, we witnessed a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire island, evoking a sensation of flight akin to the take-off of an airplane.
As an observer, I noticed Rónán and Mufutau gracefully assuming bird-like shapes and movements, reminiscent of the heavens above, and thought it was a good opportunity to use AI as a tool in post-production. It is fascinating to witness the development and discussions surrounding Artificial Intelligence these days. I believe I have found, and stand by, a positive representation of what it has to offer.”
Rónán adds:
“It strikes me that many newcomers in Ireland may not be aware of the sacred or spiritual aspects of the landscape here. I believe it’s crucial for people to visit these places and establish a deeper connection with the spirits of the land. Such experiences can ground them and alleviate their uncertainties. Often, individuals from diverse backgrounds may feel hesitant or unsure in unfamiliar surroundings. However, by immersing themselves in these locations, they can become part of the profound conversation that defines our identity as Gael and as the people of these islands. This discussion transcends superficial differences like skin colour or tribal affiliations—it is a deeply meaningful endeavour.
Artists and those who have contemplated these matters have the opportunity to showcase these places and extend invitations to others to engage in the active spirituality they offer. It is our responsibility to guide people to these sites, to share knowledge about nearby holy wells and sacred spots. This engagement can provide them with an anchor, a connection to the authentic essence of the country. Through our video and the carefully chosen imagery, we aspire to convey these profound ideas more powerfully than words alone can express. Our aim is to diminish the sense of walking on eggshells and foster a stronger sense of belonging and connection.”
About ‘The Beautiful Road’:
Following the success of Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly’s debut album Tá Go Maith, which was warmly received by audiences after its release in May 2020, Rónán and Myles have been playing numerous shows at home and abroad, showcasing their unique sound to an ever-growing fanbase.
Having written and developed new songs while touring, the duo decamped to a log cabin in Roscommon and a farmhouse in remote West Cork to work on ‘The Beautiful Road’. Recording one song every day, surrounded by countryside and inspired by nature the pair set out to create a soothing listening experience by focusing on higher frequencies, inspired by the calming effects of bird song, wind, rain, and sea. They also sought to counter the increased levels of intrusive ambient “white noise” caused by traffic, machinery, and other unpredictable sounds arising from the worlds post pandemic return to frenzied norms. Noises that so often overwhelm our ears and inner filters. The result is a collection of songs that experiment with a variety of comforting sonic elements, including bells, breaths, brush-stroked rhythms, halftime beats, and ambient melodies, to create a sonic massage that relaxes the ears and settles the soul.
To accompany different moods and settings, Rónán and Myles carefully selected times and frequencies for each song, considering not only the tune but also the listener’s potential physical posture. From head-nodding paces and cheek-to-cheek melodies for seated listeners, to enough swing to keep dancers on the floor and enough room to drift off for those who prefer to unwind by walking or lying down, this album offers a range of sonic experiences for everyone. A musical refuge from the stresses of everyday life.
TRACKLISTING:
- King of The Kingdom (Rí A’ Ríocht) (3:36)
- Níl Aon Easpa Orm (6:12)
- The Beautiful Road (6:02)
- Sí Liom (Uaireanta) (6:17)
- Calling All Angels (5:10)
- An Ghlas Ar An Domhain (4:14)
- Sin Sin (4:19)
- Análl Mór Doimhin (2:35)
- Bacon, Eggs, Blood and Bread (3.45)
LIVE DATES:
Sat Sept 2nd – Electric Picnic
Sat Sept 23rd – Waterville, Kerry
Sun Sept 24th – Connolly’s, West Cork
Wed Sept 27th – Whelans, Dublin
Friday Oct 20th – Culdaff, Donegal
