Over the last couple months, Fiona Tyndall has been quietly building toward something special, and with Éinín an Cheóil (translated as Birdsong), she’s delivered an album that feels timeless. Inspired by the collection of songs her father, Buadhach Tóibín, meticulously archived by hand, this record is much more than your standard release. It’s a family legacy, lovingly reimagined for today. With guest appearances from some of Ireland’s most respected traditional musicians and even the voices of her daughters, the album bridges generations in the most beautiful way.
The title track, released last month, captures this beautifully. Fiona recalls her father singing it to her first-born, and now her daughter joins her in harmony. It’s one of those songs where you can hear history passing through the notes, layered instrumentation from Brendan Hayes and Fergal Scahill giving it a freshness, while the lyrics themselves keep you rooted in tradition. There is also a new bridge added to the song in this version that fits perfectly and is a great addition.
Elsewhere, familiar favourites take on new light. “An Mhaighdean Mhara” (The Mermaid) and “Oró Mo Bháidín” are both tracks I’d covered before in single reviews, but hearing them in the full flow of the album really amplifies their power. The arrangements are thoughtful and rich, never overstuffed, always in service to Fiona’s voice, which honestly feels effortless here. Then you’ve got “Beidh Ríl Againn,” which for me is the sound of home. This is the kind of music I grew up with and listening to this track made me both happy and a little upset as I remembered the feeling of being a child listening to my Nanny again. It’s the kind of song that immediately makes you tap your foot, grin, and think of those days. It’s playful, full of spirit, and showcasing just how much range Fiona really has.
The quieter moments hit you just as much. “A Rí an Domhnaigh” strips everything back to almost nothing, Fiona’s vocals carrying the song with grace and delicacy before the faintest guitar eases in. It’s haunting in its simplicity, a reminder that her voice alone is enough to move you. The same goes for “Eibhlín a Rúin,” where the gentle piano backdrop allows her vocals to soar without distraction. Both tracks lean into stillness, and it’s that restraint that makes them so striking.
One of the album’s standout productions comes in “Fear a’ Bháta,” which blends layered instrumentation, Brendan Hayes’ backing vocals, and even the soft wash of water sounds. It’s one of the longer songs on the record, and it earns every second, building atmosphere and story in a way that feels huge. By the time we reach the closer, “Gabhaim Molta Bríde,” it feels like a real full circle moment. It’s a moment where I felt everything came together. The choral backing, harmonies, and instrumental swells give it a big, almost communal energy. A perfect ending.
Having followed Fiona’s singles over the last few months, hearing them in this complete collection has been a real treat. Éinín an Cheóil is a gorgeous blend of tradition, memory, and new ideas, elevated by one of the most angelic voices I’ve heard in Irish folk. There’s heart in every note, and it’s impossible not to be moved by the love and craft poured into it. Congratulations to Fiona and everyone involved, this is a piece of work that will be loved and played far beyond any of our years.
Éinín an Cheóil comes singing in with an 8 out of 10
Find Fiona here: https://fionatyndall.com/
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography
Artwork by Viv Tyndall
Photo by Brendan Burke