Astar

After a whirlwind five years traversing the globe, Breabach are delighted to present their fifth studio album, Astar (tr. distance/journey). Inspired by the people and places they have encountered, iconic venues and festivals performed at and the exciting, at times groundbreaking, collaborations they have been involved in. These experiences have brought new shape to their sound whilst simultaneously strengthening their identity. Astar is a multicultural celebration, embracing the music of four nations in partnership with their own. The band have invited friends from Norway, Quebec, Australia and New Zealand to be part of this recording, all of which has been brought to life under the guidance and production of Greg Lawson. Featuring extraordinary Aboriginal artist Yirrmal Marika (AUS), Maori tradition bearer Scott Morrison (NZ), Hardanger virtuoso Olav Luksengård Mjelva (NO), Quebecois violinist Olivier Demers (Quebec) and the wonderful Le Vent Du Nord (Quebec) with guest vocals. AWARDS: "Best Group (nominee) - BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards" "Live Act of the Year - MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2013" "Folk Band of the Year - MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2012" "Songlines Top of the World February 2014 - Urlar" REVIEWS:

"Astar is Scottish for "journey" and this classy travelogue is remarkable for its variety of collaborations" The Guardian.

"Breabach fill every corner of their songs and tunes with diverse sounds and layers which in the hands of lesser skilled musicians would sound clunky and disparate" FOLKALL

"Astar, a dozen tracks that thrillingly place Scottish traditions within a global context. An album with meaning beyond its own music" The National newspaper.

"Fortune favours the brave because this is Breabach's most satisfying album yet" fRoots.

"There is no doubt that this album is an extraordinary achievement" Bright Young Folk.

"This is a truly exceptional musical offering from a band that just keeps getting better" Fatea Magazine

"Astar is an album that truly reflects the journey that Breabach have been making over the last few years. I will willingly go along for the ride. Give Astar a listen and you will too" Folk Radio UK

"'Astar' is a treat for your ears that will carry you away. In short, a triumph, nothing less." Folkwords.