Sean Kelly and Friends: See The Light Despite being resident in NZ since 1990, Sean Kelly presents as authentic an offering of Irish music likely to be found in this antipodean setting. Right from the first track, the listener is transported to the rolling mist covered hills of the Emerald Isle. All but three of the tracks are completely acoustic, giving a very real sense to the album. Along with traditional Celtic instrumentation, some of the themes demonstrate just enough attitude in the form of political comment and patriotic predilection to rescue them from becoming lost amongst the sanitised imitations of Celtic euphony that seemed prevalent a few years back. Subject matter ranges from the very contemporary instrumental Lament for Iraq, through Rainbow Warrior to more traditional Irish songs. Alongside the 13 musical tracks are two spoken poems, one railing against the perception of Irish stupidity, and the other giving insight to the dichotomy of an Irish-Kiwi. Largely recorded by Paul Crowther, and featuring a diverse and capable group of ‘friends’, the technical quality and musicianship lacks nothing. Running a healthy 67min, the album is apparently on sale at Auckland’s Irish pubs, with further information available from kellyboy@orcon.net.nz