Made up of brothers Ian and Daragh Lynch, Cormac MacDiarmada and Radie Peat, Lankum have gained worldwide acclaim for their unique spin on Irish music and captivating, often euphoric live performances. Following two acclaimed albums, their third record ‘The Livelong Day’, a heady mix of alternative folk and psychedelia, and cemented their reputation as one of the most unique and talked about groups to emerge from Ireland in decades, a status they have only furthered with 2023’s groundbreaking, Mercury shortlisted opus ‘False Lankum’
The Livelong Day paved the way for critical and commercial success, earning them that year’s RTE Choice Music Prize (the Irish equivalent of the Album of the Year Grammy) and the #8 spot on NPR Music’s Best Albums of the Year list. Drawing on traditional folk songs, Lankum put their own dark, distinctive mark onto each, leaning into heavy drones and sonic distortion that imparts new intensity and beauty into each track. Their fourth album False Lankum, released in April 2023, sees the band cement their breakout from the folk genre, creating bold, contemporary music that may be fashioned from traditional elements but is firmly new, sitting comfortably alongside Rough Trade labelmates like black midi and Gilla Band.
False Lankum is intended to feel like a complete piece – a progression and a journey for the listener. “We wanted to create more contrast on the record so the light parts would be almost spiritual and the dark parts would be incredibly dark, even horror inducing,” they explain. The album’s 12 tracks, composed of 10 traditional songs and two originals, show the four-piece using a new palate to colour their sound in an increasingly experimental way, alongside longtime producer John ‘Spud’ Murphy. Released in May 2023, the album propelled them to even loftier heights, earning them a Mercury nomination, and leading to sell out shows at iconic venues across the globe. False Lankum was named album of the year by The Guardian, MOJO, Loud & Quiet, Uncut and The Quietus.
“False Lankum may be folk music’s OK Computer” – Mojo
“A thorough exploration and devastation of folk’s most conventional tropes is Lankum’s impressive game” The Guardian 5/5
“Things are heavier and more apocalyptic-sounding than ever… Spellbinding” Billboard
“Artists such as Portishead and Brian Eno come to mind. An album of the year for me” Bob Boilen – NPR (USA)
“A fierce and fragile masterpiece” The Irish Times, 5/5