Malinky are Scotland's leading young folksong group. From winning an inaugural Danny Award for their open-stage performance at the 1999 Celtic Connections festival, to the all-round rave reviews garnered by their sophomore album, 3 Ravens, in 2002, this Scots/Irish five-piece have emerged as one of the hottest properties on the international Celtic scene. Their song-centred repertoire combines a deep appreciation of tradition with a vibrant freshness of approach, taking in both classic ballads and outstanding original songwriting, alongside sparkling instrumental sets.
Malinky's current line-up features founding members Steve Byrne (vocals/bouzoukis/guitar) and Mark Dunlop (whistles/bodhrán/flute/uilleann pipes/vocals), together with Mike Vass (fiddle/vocals), Fiona Hunter (vocals/cello), and multi-instrumentalist David Wood (guitar/bouzouki/vocals).
With three of the five sharing lead vocal duties, and the entire group contributing backing vocals, the richness and breadth of their song palette is second to none, leaving listeners spoilt for choice between Fiona's cool lyrical clarity, Byrne's Angus-accented resonance and Mark's soulful, Ulster-style delivery.
Selected snippets for the latest album 'The Unseen Hours'
"Malinky in most excellent form"
Penguin Eggs, Canada
"Not just back on their feet, but dancing...Few other bands are able to deliver so apparently effortlessly...an album which won't disappoint"
Songlines
"very exciting"
The Living Tradition
"Do not let the Unseen Hours go unheard -- you will be the loser"
Rambles.net
"Scottish tunes and songs at their best"
LiveIreland.com
VIDEO EXCLUSIVE! MALINKY and RANARIM LIVE AT CELTIC CONNECTIONS - performing The Twa Sisters/De Två Systrarne in Swedish and Scots, after Folk och Rackare's famous arrangement! Thanks to Ines Mayfarth for the video.
