Ye Vagabonds - All Tied Together (2026)
I can hear the care in this record, but it never quite pulls me in. The songwriting is earnest and well-shaped, the harmonies are tasteful, and everything sits nicely in place — maybe too nicely. All Tied Together feels controlled to the point where friction is smoothed out, and as a result the emotional impact stays muted. I don’t dislike it, but I rarely feel compelled to lean forward or return once the atmosphere is set. It’s thoughtful folk, competently made, but it leaves me wanting sharper contours and more risk.
Pros
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Strong harmonic blend – The brothers’ voices are locked in and naturally expressive.
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Careful, unobtrusive arrangements – Strings and synths are used with restraint, never cluttering the songs.
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Clear sense of place – There’s a grounded Irish identity that feels sincere, not cosmetic.
Cons
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Too even-tempered – Dynamics stay flat; few moments really rise or break tension.
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Low replay pull – Pleasant in the moment, but doesn’t leave much behind once it ends.
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Emotionally cautious – The writing hints at depth but rarely commits hard enough to feel bruising or essential.
Genre: Contemporary Folk
Country: Ireland
Final Verdict: 59% (Forgettable Album)
Yearly Ranking: 75th / 89
Highlight: The Flood
Made me think of:
Lankum
Big Thief
Lisa O’Neill
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