Kila - Gamblers Ballet

Gambler's Ballet opens with the obscurely-titled Leath Ina Dhiaidh A Hocht, and if the incomprehensibility of that amuses you, it's worth further noting that the whole song is sung with the intonations of the Swedish chef from The Muppets. Of course, the language is the Irish Gaelic, Gaelighe, and the main melodies of Gambler's Ballet are inspired by Celtic or Eastern European traditions. The backing arrangements differentiate Kila's work from most other contemporary singers, but they tend towards overblown atmospherics that lack any real punch. The bass lines are particularly uninspiring, often resorting to simply unmelodic 'donk donk', rather than any genuine riffs. Gambler's Ballet is laid-back in pace for the first half, but speeds up towards the end with tracks like Fir Bolg and Boy Racer, the latter of which is undoubtedly the most adventurous and exciting track on the album. Although it sounds ironic, Gambler's Ballet suffers from being too smooth and polished. But if you like Celtic music with slightly poppy, cheery flute lines, this might have something for you.