Album Review: Slide – Overneath
Alright, let’s talk about Overneath by Slide. Released in 2007, this album is a proper treat for anyone into folk, Celtic vibes, and that raw singer-songwriter feel. It’s got all the hallmarks of traditional European folk music but with enough personality to make it stand out. Plus, with credits like Mick Broderick on bouzouki and Éamonn de Barra handling everything from flute to bodhrán, you just know they’re bringing their A-game.
Now, I gotta say, this isn’t your typical polished studio album—it feels more like sitting around a cozy pub somewhere in Ireland or Scotland, listening to mates jamming together. That’s what makes it so damn charming. And while every track has its own thing going on, two songs really stuck with me after giving this a spin: “Ol’ Man Lynch” and “Over’neath the Moon.”
“Ol’ Man Lynch” kicks things off with a toe-tapping energy that grabs your attention right away. The interplay between the mandolin and whistle is just ace—it’s one of those tunes where you can almost picture people stomping their feet in time. There’s something about how Andrew Murray’s vocals weave through the melody without overpowering it; it’s understated but still powerful. You don’t need flashy lyrics here; the vibe does all the talking.
Then there’s “Over’neath the Moon,” which flips the mood entirely. This one slows things down and lets Daire Bracken’s fiddle work shine. It’s melancholic yet hopeful at the same time—like staring up at the stars and thinking about life’s ups and downs. The strings add this lush layer that gives it an almost cinematic quality. Honestly, I found myself hitting replay just to soak it in again.
One thing worth mentioning is how tight the arrangements are throughout the record. Slide clearly knows their stuff—they’ve nailed the balance between letting each instrument breathe while keeping the overall sound cohesive. Even the production, despite being indie as heck (released on their own label), has a warmth to it that suits the material perfectly.
But here’s the kicker—while Overneath delivers plenty of catchy melodies and heartfelt moments, it also leaves you wanting more. Not because it’s lacking, mind you, but because it feels like these guys could keep pulling surprises out of their sleeves forever. Maybe that’s why they included tracks with slightly different titles or versions (King Of The Mill vs. King of the Mill, anyone?). Either way, it keeps you guessing, and I dig that.
So yeah, if you’re into folk music with a Celtic twist—or even if you’re not—give Overneath a shot. It’s the kind of album that sneaks up on you, stays in your head, and before you know it, you’re humming along to “Ol’ Man Lynch” while making dinner. Oh, and fun fact? Cover art was done by Daire Bracken too, which kinda sums up how hands-on and personal this project feels. Hats off to Slide for creating something that feels both timeless and refreshingly real.
Would love to hear what everyone else thinks of it—anyone else get lost in those polkas?
