Forget everything you’ve ever thought you knew about Celtic rock bands, because Melbourne-based outfit, Claymore, defies all expectations. This enigmatic band of multi-instrumentalists not only manages to combine traditional elements of Celtic music, but they take that passion and soul and rock it right into the 21st century. Few bands can pull off the sensitive task of re-educating the traditional realm into the modern day, but that’s something of a specialty for Claymore. Not only that, but they manage to write beautiful original Celtic compositions, and even lend their style to some power rock classics, all with a Scottish or Irish twist.
Now recognised as a premier Australian Celtic band in world wide circles, Claymore have a host of impressive album releases under their belt and a long list of festival performances to their name, including headlining position at Australia’s largest folk event and several headlining appearances at the reputed Festival Interceltique De Lorient France. Although many Celtic bands may come and go, each sounding remarkably like the other, the point of difference with Claymore is within the term ‘rock’. They add a current flavour, and interestingly, an inherent Australianness, to their music, bringing ole time traditional themes into the future, and appealing to audiences young and old. From the penetrating beats of the bohdrahn in the battle songs of the Jacobite rebellion to the hypnotising drone of the pipes in the evocative love ballads of Scotland and Ireland, fans of the band find themselves conquered by the most fiery and delicate textures of Celtic music. While their style has been described as new age folk music, there is more passion, fire and enthusiasm that than genre allows.
From the liveliness of the instrumentation to the consummate skill of the performers, each of whom sport the ability to play several different instruments, and prove this skill effortlessly, there is something about Claymore that speeds up the heart rate, and settles into the soul of all music lovers. An experience with Claymore is an unforgettable one, and whether you know the songs or not, and whether you can understand the meaning behind the lyrics, one thing is certain, you’ll fall in love with the music and the band.
Braemar is proud to announce that La Trobe University and the School of Historical and European Studies will host a free, public lecture highlighting Lochaber No More on Sunday 20th September 2009 at 3.00pm. This performance will be introduced by Dr Jennifer Ridden of the History Program. see La Trobe University Public Lecture
Hey guys, Hope ya have a good flight and time away. Wish I was coming with you. ahh well maybe next time:) Take care and i'll catch ya when ya get home :) XOX
Hi there, many thanks for the add and a warm welcome to Cal support. It's a pleasure to have you "on board". Also many thanks for the nice message! Cheers!
hey guys was great to see you again over the weekend so wish i could have made it to the pub but alas i had to be able to function for work ( booooo) It was a great night and it was sounding really good.. Will try get to a melb gig again one day soon talk soon love kim
ps. thanks for the chocolate cake it made a great snak b4 bed heheh
Hi guys. Funny old week. I was driving a 13-seater bus back from Cobargo Folk Festival (as you do) today and had the first three tracks of 'Reflection' on high rotation, especially track three (currently sort of homeless -- again!). Anyhoo, did you know that Thursday 26 Feb is International Sing Wherever You Go Day? Reckon you'd be up for that? In Australia it has a tie-in with bushfire appeals and the volunteer organisations that support the relief efforts. www.singwhereveryougoday.blogspot.com
