Description
Beyond These Shores is the third studio album by the British progressive rock/Celtic fusion band Iona, released in the UK on What? Records in 1993, a sub-label of Word Records. The majority of the album was recorded June-October 1993 by Nigel Palmer at The Cutting Rooms in Manchester, England; with band member Dave Bainbridge producing.
Beyond These Shores is largely based on the story of St. Brendan’s voyage. Brendan and a company of monks sailed from Ireland in a leather and wood boat in the sixth century to ‘the promised land’ which many believe to be America.
Three years ago, we introduced you to this phenomenal U.K. band and encouraged you to dash out and get its self-titled first album. In 1992, the band followed its semi-concept debut with the even more complex and musically stirring ‘The Book of Kells‘, which based its lyrical text and musical interpretations on the ancient Irish scrolls depicting incidents from the four Gospels. Now, after a shift in personnel and a slight adjustment in musical direction, Iona has split the difference in its approach. ‘Beyond These Shores’ continues its exploration of Celtic Christian themes, as well as offering more contemporary lyrical fare and music that is both adventurous and accessible.
Many of the songs touch on the voyages of 6th century monk St. Brendan, the protege of Columba (a central character of the band’s first album). Not only did Brendan travel about the British Isles, he believed God called him to cross the Atlantic, almost 1000 years before Christopher Columbus – and there’s evidence to suggest that happened. Iona uses Brendan’s total trust in the Lord’s direction as a metaphor for today’s believers, to show that we must be completely sold out to God, no matter where our journeys take us. Whether the songs are specifically about Brendan, or just about the disappointments and successes which define our daily lives, vocalist Joanne Hogg imbues these stories with a transparent, haunting beauty. The uncommonly tasteful support from a variety of instruments both common (percussion, horns, guitars) and ethereal (Celtic harp, uillean pipes) marks ‘Beyond These Shores’ as yet another triumph for Iona. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, April 1994]
Iona’s third expedition into Celtic spiritual music, ‘Beyond These Shores’, sounds the same, yet different. Although they’re without the man behind the saxes and flutes, Dave Fitzgerald, that special sound is still there, as is maestro Dave Bainbridge. There’s also more of the voice of Joanne Hogg, who becomes more expressive with each outing.
The album has less of the tempestuousness of ‘Book Of Kells‘, because the source of the inspiration is calmer. Most of the music relates to the voyage and spiritual experiences of St. Brendan; however, there are also songs relating to more commonplace topics, like a car accident or the psychological effects of war.
Musically, there’s an ethereal, slightly jazzy blend on most tracks. With «Beachy Head», Jeff Johnson comes to mind, while on «Brendan’s Return» there is enough Moody Blues to give someone flashbacks. On «Machrie Moore», Bainbridge and new member Mike Haughton play off certain similarities between Celtic and Japanese music. And on «Today», there is a hard Celtic dance rhythm with a touch of Middle Eastern.
Most artists, even great ones, show hints of a rut by the third album. Iona does, too; «Burning Like Fire» and «Healing» sound a bit too much like «Revelation» from ‘Kells’. Even so, Nick (Kajagoogoo) Beggs lays down a rock-solid bass, and the lyrics reflect the mystery, rather than just talk about it (as some of their past lyrics did).
Iona has created a place for itself with Christians looking to get more in touch with the mysteries of the faith. Even if that isn’t your cup of tea, it might do you well to take a few sips. [Robert Longman. Jr, Syndicate Magazine, July 1994, Vol. 9, Issue 2]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/beyond-these-shores/1566552617)
CD tracklist:
01. Prayer On The Mountain – 2:58
02. Treasure – 4:25
03. Brendan’s Voyage – 4:13
04. Edge Of The World – 4:45
05. Today – 3:14
06. View Of The Islands – 2:30
07. Bird Of Heaven – 9:09
08. Murlough Bay – 4:10
09. Burning Like Fire – 4:57
10. Adrift – 3:46
11. Beachy Head – 5:42
12. Machrie Moor – 4:30
13. Healing – 4:47
14. Brendan’s Return – 4:12
15. Beyond These Shores – 4:53
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by What? Records. The album was remastered for the 2002 release The River Flows: Anthology and as well independently re-released on Open Sky Records as a standalone album in 2003.
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