MELODIJE IRSKE I KVARNERA

The third album by Belfast Food marks two noticeable changes for this band. First of all, they've signed to a new record label, Dallas Records, from Croatia, and most obviously, they've stylistically broadened their sound. The title of this album, Melodije Irske i Kvarnera, translates to "Melodies of Ireland and Kvarner," the latter being the coastal region of Croatia where the band originates. So instead of devoting virtually all of their efforts to the traditional music of Ireland via Celtic rock arrangements, Belfast Food has evolved into an impressive songwriting unit as a whole. Granted, many of their own compositions have an Irish sound to them, while others adopt more of an indigenous flavor, like "Tarantella Fiumana" and "Frane 'Merikan." Like on Zašto Zato, Belfast Food has opted to sing a majority of Melodije Irske i Kvarnera in their native language, which gives their songs an appearance of heightened confidence and authority. After experimenting slightly with techno on their previous album, Belfast Food has included two tracks which further suggest a sound transformation. "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" is another Shooglenifty-esque number, and "Sperm Whale's Song" is a Martyn Bennett-like excursion into worldbeat electronica.