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Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks - Mo Anam Cara - 10 Track CD - Triple Goddess Records - To be released 20th March 2015
Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks
Mo Anam Cara
10 Track CD
Triple Goddess Records
To be released 20th March 2015
To be released very soon!
Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks – Long Beach California
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/JoyShannonandtheBeautyMarks
Produced, mixed & mastered by Mark Sheppard
Photography by Xun Chi
All music and lyrics by Joy Shannon
Discography:
“As in the Wilderness” (2008),
“The Opium Wars or Love in Lieu of Laudanum” (2009)
“The Black Madonna” (2010),
“Out of My Dreams and Into My Arms” (2011),
“The Oracle” (2013)
"Mo Anam Cara" (2014).
Genre: Neo-folk, Celtic Pagan Folk, Doom
Biography:
Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks are a Celtic Pagan Folk/Neo-folk band fronted by the Irish multi-instrumentalist singer Joy Shannon on Celtic harp, cello and harmonium.
Joy Shannon
It is not surprising that this CD was sent to me for obvious reasons. Now is the time to be with one on a journey through the Celtic calendar and embrace the true spiritual feelings within one’s self.
The Winds of Hel
This is a very mournful and poignant track. It delights in bringing an ambiance all its own and sends the proverbial shiver down the spine on listening. Its Celtic and Pagan roots are very prominent and enjoyable to witness.
Samhain
Is a dark and mysterious track that holds a rich and vibrant beauty caressing the senses with delicate voices and delightful Harp Ensemble? It really takes you back to glorious green mother earth. The tones are steeped in a soft haze that mirrors the reflection of a track that allows your mind to wander freely.
Midwinter Ghost
The delicate fingers of Joy Shannon gently glide over the strings of her harp like waves washing over a shoreline. The beauty of this track is very therapeutic and relaxing. It features backing vocals from Amelia Barron, guitar from Daryl Hernandez and bass from Andy Zacharias. It has a spellbinding effect that simply mesmerises the soul.
Imbolc – Invocation to Brighid
This is quite a short track compared with the last three. It conjures up images of a flickering fire and around it stands Brighid a Goddess in her own right. Backing vocals by Rachel Star Allbright.
Ostara – Blodeuwedd
A real awakening of the Spring Equinox this track is dream-like but highly intense, although it still has that delicate balance of sacred voice and strings.
The Fires of Beltane
Another poignant track that lifts the spirit to great heights. It is deep and meaningful with clever use of instruments. It most definitely brings out the Celtic and Pagan spirits as the track unfolds.
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“It thoroughly embraces through balance and rebirth just as the seasons do – It is magic in its purest form!”
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Midsummer Witch Hunt
This track is dedicated to all the witches who died in the flickering flames for having a sixth sense. Being persecuted by people who did not have a connection to earth. It is an amazing song that really brings out the dark side and is deeply disturbing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8japP08hj0
Midsummer Witch Hunt - A highly disturbing video!
Lughnasadh – Maeve, the one who intoxicates
Sending chills down the spine this song glides gently on an ambient bed of notes. The backing vocals of Amelia Barron are haunting. Joy’s voice being the most prominent are lilting and exquisite and between them and the music is one more intense track to behold.
Findulas
With vocal imagery this track is a beautiful love song although sad as you would expect! Love never runs smooth! Its melodic and vibrant tones gently graze the senses and are embracing. Traversing the monumental terrain it is yet another masterpiece of strings and haunting voices that leave their mark.
Mabon– Airmid, Bring back the dead
Another intensely rich track that connects to the soul with an abundance of deep tones and poignant notes that flourish with a new awakening.
Summary:
The whole album is rife with new awakenings and based on the Celtic calendar, going into detail of all Pagan holidays. It will bring you to the understanding that Mother Nature is never far away.
Mo Anam Cara translated means Spirit Guide (although in Irish it means Soul Mate) and is very apt for this album, as it does guide you through an intense journey. It awakens mind, body and soul. Although there are no raunchy tracks to be had here – there is little need for them as each track delivers pure magic through the vocal concentrate and diligently played strings alone.
It is persistent in guiding the listener and connecting them with what the earth represents in spirituality. Its essences are magical and will revitalise anything that lay dormant in the brain, although beware darkness appears around each corner so navigate well.
It thoroughly embraces through balance and rebirth just as the seasons do – It is magic in its purest form!
9½/10
Track List:
The Winds of Hel
Samhain
Midwinter Ghost
Imbolc – Invocation to Brighid
Ostara – Blodeuwedd
The Fires of Beltane
Midsummer Witch Hunt
Lughnasadh – Maeve, the one who intoxicates
Findulas
Maboh – Airmid, Bring back the dead
Members:
Joy Shannon – Celtic Harp/Cello/Vocals
Andy Zacharias – Stand-up Bass
Amelia Barron – Backing vocals on 3, 6, 7, & 8
Daryl Hernandez – Guitar on 1,2,3,6,7,8,9, & 10
Jon Zell – Guitar on 4 & 5
Rachel Star Albright – Backing Vocals on 4 & 5
Special thanks to Madeleine Baggins
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