The Wran are an Irish trad-fusion band from the Comeragh Mountains of County Waterford, Ireland, consisting of four brothers: Tommy, Danny, Seán, and Stephen Dunford. The name The Wran is translated to The Wren and comes from the Celtic and Druidic Tradition. The wren was historically known as the dreoilín or “Druid bird,” viewed as a sacred keeper of prophecy, a messenger from the Otherworld, and a symbol of watchfulness, action, and enthusiasm. The band have recently released their debut album `The Stone Man` which infuses traditional Irish folk songs with punk and psychedelia. This was the brothers third visit to Birmingham this year and comes a couple of months after their appearance at the Moseley Folk Festival.
The band settle on stage and open with a few numbers from the latest release with the haunting `The Waterford Boys` a traditional Irish folk and music hall song dating back to the 1860s with it`s wonderful harmonies, the instrumental `Dunford`s March` an original composition, `Sullivan`s John` a song made famous by The Dubliners and `Aird Uí Chuain`. This number translates to “the height of the harbour” or “the height of the bay” and is a traditional Irish sean-nós emigrant song about longing, homesickness, and memories of Ireland. A wonderful opening which displayed the depth and range of the group with songs that were sung both in English and Irish along with an instrumental offering.
What I love about traditional music is the inspiration behind the songs such as the almost hypnotic `Wild Man From Borneo` written about an Irish born half-bred Thoroughbred gelding that won the 1895 Grand National at Aintree and the haunting `Petticoat Loose` about Mary Hannigan, a famous figure from Irish folklore and ghost stories.
The final songs in the set came from `The Stone Man` with `Fear Dearg` or Red Man another original composition and `The Limerick Rake` a traditional Irish folk and street ballad from the late 18th century, one that The Pogues covered as well.
It was clear that getting off the stage to come back on for an encore would be almost farcical so instead the siblings decided to just offer up another couple of numbers to send us on our way.
The first `Suí Finn` translates from the Irish mythological location meaning “Seat of Fionn” the sitting place,” or “resting place of Fionn mac Cumhaill the legendary giant, hunter, seer, and leader of the elite warrior band known as the Fianna in Irish mythology. It becomes an almost mesmerising dance song before the fellas say their goodbyes with a slightly melancholic come pensive version of `Some Say The Devil Is Dead` also known as “The Braes of Mar” or “Soldier, Soldier”. I have to say I thought the use of a jews harp was an inspired choice.
I hadn`t caught The Wran before and The Hare and Hounds was the perfect venue to finally see them and although the show was sold out for some time, there was just the right amount of people there to create an atmosphere but not be uncomfortably crowded.
There`s another few dates around the UK before the band return to Ireland but they are more than likely already sold out, if so you could always console yourself with a copy of their album `The Stone Man`.
There`s a plethora of trad-Irish fusion acts at present with Madra Salach, The Mary Wallopers and Chasing Abbey and The Wran can proudly sit amongst them.
