The latest album from West Of Eden, entitled Rollercoaster (Reactive Records (Sweden), is the second from this six-piece Celtic crossover group. Comprised of twelve average length tracks, the band has developed their sound, making it even more accessible than on their self-titled debut album. Fronted by stunning vocalist Jenny Schaub who also plays accordion, the band also consists of Martin Schaub (piano, keyboard, acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmony vocals, accordion and additional electric guitar), Lars Borg (bass), David Ekh (electric guitars, dobro, e-box, nylon-stringed guitars), Ola Karlevo (drums, percussion) and Tobias Edvardson (fiddle and harmony vocals). Guest performances by David Stiernholm (whistles, oboe) and Jorgen Fischer (Uillean pipes), Sventa Gustafsson (bodhran) and others as well as a four-piece a string ensemble on four of the tracks round out the album's lineup. The album was written by Martin and Jenny Schaub.

The upbeat title track that reintroduces familiar audiences to Jenny's sweet voice opens the album. Layers of harmony vocals and traditional instrumentation blend during the chorus contributing to the accessibility of the band's sound. "The One" and "Hold Your Horses" continue to develop the band's accessible sound, uptempo with richly arranged vocals and lush arrangements blending modern with traditional instruments.

The traditional folk-oriented ballad "(I Still Remember) How To Forget" begins with a calling whistle part before Jenny's gentle lead vocal begins to carry the tune. A contemporary arrangement of traditional instruments during the bridge is highly notable. "Short & Sweet" and "Mandolin Song" are similarly arranged but are both vocally more delicate. Jenny's vocals in "My Alien" are delightful and are mixed way up; the acoustic guitar is wonderful. The "Crescent Moon" and "The Swings" ballads are quite enjoyable with Jenny's vocals being perfectly complimented by the supporting arrangements, especially in the tracks' choruses. The upbeat tunes "In A Little While" and Corrs-like "Didn't You, Didn't I" balance pop accessibility with folk roots in typical West of Eden style blending traditional with modern instrumentation. Instrumental work in the bridge of each track is especially notable. The album closes with an everso quiet ballad entitled "Just That I Love You" dominated by Jenny's vocals with very light, almost non-existent instrumental backing.

"Raising O'Malley's Barn" is a moving traditional Celtic pop crossover track with excellent instrumental arrangements with lead vocals sung by Martin Schaub. He also sings the contemporary and well-arranged ballad "Ripperton Road" and upbeat folk tune backed by mandolin entitled "Common Wonders." "I Don't Care" is a traditional folk song with lots of accordian and whistle led by Jenny's vocals. Crisp percussion and rich symphonic orchestration back Jenny in the hymn-like track entitled "King" and the contemporary Celtic piece "Endless Sea." Both are very memorable and highlight the band's virtuousity.

You can find out a lot more about West of Eden at their website . There you'll find photos, further information, soundbites and ordering information. A most enjoyable follow-up album perfectly blending stunning vocals with traditional and modern instrumentation, this new one from West of Eden is worth a trans-Atlantic journey and is a must listen!

- Musical Discoveries


Click on each tracktitle to hear a sample of the song.

01. Rollercoaster
02. The One
03. (I Still Remember) How to Forget
04. Hold Your Horses
05. Short and Sweet
06. In A Little While
07. Mandolin Song
08. My Alien
09. Crescent Moon
10. Didn't You, Didn't I
11. The Swings
12. Just That I Love You