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Belfast-based Irish traditional band Réalta release their third studio album, Thing of the Earth.

The recording is their first collaborative release, and the first since Breton piper Loïc Bléjean joined the group. The result is a varied collection, ranging from classic piping melodies to newly composed dance tunes, and from traditional ballads to modern folk songs.

Myles McCormack, talented singer-songwriter and composer of the title track, features as a guest artist on vocals, guitar and mandolin across the album. Legendary singer Cathy Jordan also joins the group for a haunting rendition of the 19^th century ballad, The Wind That Shakes The Barley. The band have released a music video for the track, which was recently long-listed for a Northern Ireland Music Prize.

“Réalta have a sound all of their own – exciting, dynamic and addictive”

IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE

Thing of the Earth will feel both familiar and fresh to Réalta fans. They have taken their core sound of reeds, wind, strings and drum and developed it, creating a complex and innovative album which showcases the broader experiences and influences of the band members. This is an energetic and exciting recording which reflects Réalta’s collaborative style, sensitively blending the creative approaches of all the artists to make powerful, empathetic and cohesive music.

Thing of the Earth is available on digital download, CD and 12” Vinyl. A series of launch gigs are scheduled this autumn:

• 14.10 Irish Rendezvous Festival, Brittany
• 27.10 Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick
  
• 28.10 The Old Church Centre, Cushendun
  
• 29.10 The Black Box, Belfast
• 18.11 William Kennedy Piping Festival, Armagh

Available to stream and download from all major platforms from 13th October 2023.

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