The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock is music from Dublin, Ireland. Named after a poem about a haunted canal lock, the Spook plucks banjos and twangs guitars, he yelps and he drones and he sings songs about doomed revolutionaries, brave partisan, corrupt politicians and constant struggle.
Live the Spook plays solo with guitar, banjo and effects or swells to a full band with bass, guitars, drums.
The epnonymous debut album sees songs in the Irish folk tradition expanded into the realms of psych prog and post rock, channeling amongst other things, the diverse yet kindred spirits of Lift to Experience, 16 Horsepower, Thin Lizzy and The Chieftains. The Spook was begun in 2006 by Allen Blighe after the demise of his old band Holy Ghost Fathers, a Dublin based outfit who released 2 records on their own Microclique imprint. Seeking an outlet to combine a passion for traditional Irish forms along with modern day rootsier influences Blighe has crafted a space tinged Celtic Folk rock that is hauntingly beautiful.
Aided by the Spook band and the able production of Enda Bates, the debut album shifts gear effortlessly from careening folk ballad to drone atmospherics to full on psychedelic rock. The band is completed by ex-Steerage members Donnchadh Hoey (guitar) and Brian O’Higgins (drums).
The album’s strong allegorical overtones bring to the surface themes of bitterness, disillusionment, national identity and loss of faith – set against a richly imaginative historical background on songs like “The Hare” and “Pimlico”.
Elsewhere centre piece “The Partisan” finds it musical inspiration from Macedonian folk while remembering the Partisans of Italian folklore; and on the albums epic closing number “The Ragged Rock”; a twisted, jagged version of Sean Nós evolving into a Krautrock freat-out, eventually descending into a feedback soaked howl. A suitable ending for a dramatic journey.
The Spook of the Thirteenth Lock's Friend Space (Top 20)
Ahoy there! Sad we didn..t get the chance to met up with you fine gentlemen the last time we were in Dublin... but next time, yeah? Best of luck with everything - your album is a true delight!
hey! Delighted you liked it! I must get a copy of the EG myself, ha! Well done on the album, 'tis great stuff. Don't think I'll hear another album like it anytime soon and that's a good thing, it's really unique :) Aoife
hey Allan - met you a few years back when I came to Ireland with Anthony Mackey's brother, at a BOR. Anto sent me a copy of your CD and i've been listening to it all day. It's GREAT. We'll be back before too long, 'tis a fine country.
You got any other pages I can spam too? Anyway .... Large Mound gig, performing Raised On Rock, this Friday (June 6th) Upstairs in Whelans. With Queen Kong too. Over and out.
FINALLY . " The Stars Are Underground" the legendary low budget documentary film concerning alternative, hardcore and independent music way back in Celtic Kitten 90's Dublin is up and embedded on it's page in three easily digested parts. Come take a look if you get a chance.
you will also notice clips for Mexican Pets and Jubilee Allstars among others .
