Reviews

'Superb third offering from highly regarded Welsh outfit whose sophisticated acoustic folk-fusion is of the least pretentious kind. Alongside an array of instrumental skills (harp, fiddle, flute, guitar) their 'singularity' comes in the form of supremely silky vocalist Gwyneth Keen. Exceptionally fine with crisp and uncluttered production to match'.
froots

(March 2008)

Centrifusion

''A fine musical style effortlessly hides the difference between their traditional and contemporary material: A singer with a distinctive stand out voice and arrangements that ignore the obvious - this band are going to be very big. Their biggest asset is clearly the voice of Gwyneth Keen, which should quickly push them into the folk mainstream, but underneath are strands of musicianship which show there is much more to the band than just the singer. They hold a good tune, in many styles already. Standouts include the opening track When my Love and I parted, Can y Melinydd an unusual I love my Love and a typically heartrending Andy M. Stewart song Where are you? A band with an identity. Go and see them live and then buy this - or buy it anyway'.

CELTISH
Centrifusion

Give this album time to grow on you. If you dismiss it because of a lack of familiar tunes or if you are a bit anti the modernisation of traditional music you will be missing a golden opportunity.
Celtish are a bit experimental in their choice and playing but there is that solid foundation of tradition on offer within the ten tracks on offer. The opening track, ’When My Love and I parted’, is longer than your usual opener but this comes about through the use of a combination of tunes, styles, delivery and some vocals.
'The Traveller' reveals the virtuosity of the playing as the band display their talents on a relatively simple tune played with verve. The track called 'I Love My Love' again shows the beauty in combination. The opening tune is new and composed by a band member. It then takes lyrics from a traditional song from North Carolina collected by Cecil Sharp but Keen’s delivery of the vocal is absolute 21st century. Who could find fault in a track called Lobster’s Revenge? It’s a pity it is not a vocal track because one is intrigued by how the crustacean might take revenge.
One of the more familiar tracks is Andy M Stewart’s, 'Where Are You'. Be warned, however, this group does not deliver it in familiar form. They have changed the phrasing to reveal a song that is totally new. Without close listening you would not recognise it. 'After the Rain' combines O’Carolan with John Harris, harpist with the band and Anders Norudde on a lovely quiet set. This album is a sort of progressive trad and is well worth your attention.

Nicky Rossiter

Irish Music Magazine

(May 2008)

Centrifusion

'Centrifusion' is the third stunning album from acoustic folk-fusionists Celtish and once again they bring subtle, modern sensibility to a genre that's often been maligned and misunderstood. Celtish's 'Centrifusion' weaves another musical tapestry stitched full of musical 'colour' and stabbed through with dynamic vibrancy that leaves the listener in no doubt about the musical credentials or compositional qualities of this seriously talented band. The absolute heart of the Celtish folk ethos is one of stylish, melodic, folk originality combined with infectious but never staid traditional undercurrents as they successfully mix old with new to bring new nuances to an old artform. Celtish's music is an eclectic folk fusion which clearly shows their collective strength but also allows the listener to blissfully imbibe the beauty of the creativity and instrumental perfection of the individual members.

Celtish are vocally 'fronted' by the seriously silky Gwyneth Keen who is blessed with a naturally warm and wide ranging voice that's totally and absolutely tailored for the folk idiom. And, Keen once again gives a majestic performance here; unlike many of her contemporaries, Keen demonstrates fantastic range and variation of intonation which keeps Celtish's overall sound extremely fluid, focussed and accessible. 'Centrifusion' takes the listener on a journey of discovery through the misty realms of folk music with an inspired mix of trad.arr. 'oldies' and superbly crafted, band-penned originals. Flawless musicianship and crisp production makes 'Centrifusion' a must-have album for anyone even half-way serious about folk music. It's a classy, sophisticated work that challenges the output of most of the big 'stars' of the genre - a stunning album from an outfit that deserve wider recognition and acceptance.
'Centrifusion' by Celtish is an wonderfully enlightening, contemporary folk album that folksters of all persuasions should be able to enjoy and glean something from; Celtish show their class here and 'Centrifusion' is folk perfection.'
Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)
(Rhythm & Booze rating 10)

(2007)

‘Acoustic core and trad playing that’s crisp and sweet and a vocalist that has a voice that is worth the asking price alone’
froots

‘Celtish are moving forward with a sophistication that is clearly demonstrated’
Dirty Linen

‘One of British music’s successes-a delicate sophisticated sound’
Teatro Circo- Albecete Spain

‘This is the kind of band that will take no prisoners live-well worth a listen’ Folking.com‘ Gwyneth Keen-One of Wales’s best kept secrets, an impressive bunch and a very good album’ Taplas ‘We were treated to another brilliant show by a band who must surely be the next big thing’ Harlequin Theatre-Northwich

‘If you have any interest in Celtic music at all you must see this band’
Guild Hall arts centre

'This group took us by storm. We were knocked out by the harp and flute playing as well as other insrumentation in the band. The lead singer really made you feel the music with her clear and haunting voice that added to the mysterious Celtic sound of the band. Many of the audience are saying to me that it was the best night they've been to at the Scrag End and many CD's were sold'