Peter BurrowsIn the ever fertile landscape of Irish folk music, new groups often emerge carrying the tradition forward while gently bending it toward new horizons. The trio Saltaire do exactly that on their debut EP Only Moonlight, bringing together three seasoned musicians whose collective experience gives their music a quiet confidence and polish.
Saltaire: a folk super-band
The group is comprised of singer and cellist Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz, guitarist Ian Kinsella, and bodhrán and bouzouki player Conor Lyons. Each arrives with impressive credentials from the contemporary Irish folk scene. Cullen-Verhauz has performed with Natalie Ní Chasaide and Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill, winners at the RTÉ Folk Awards, and has also appeared with Frankie Gavin’s legendary band De Dannan alongside Kinsella. Lyons, meanwhile, is a founding member of The Bonny Men, and all three musicians also perform in the live band of Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, appearing on his acclaimed album The Deepest Breath. In other words, while Saltaire may be a relatively new name, the musicianship behind it is anything but.
Rooted in Tradition, Open to New Horizons
Only Moonlight may not be reinventing the folk wheel, but that hardly matters. What Saltaire bring instead is musical mastery and a deep understanding of the traditions they inhabit. The EP moves effortlessly between traditional Irish textures and moments that lean toward bluegrass and country influences, creating a sound that feels both rooted and expansive.
At the centre of it all is Cullen-Verhauz’s voice. Her tone carries echoes of Mary Black, warm and clear, with a gentle emotional pull that suits folk balladry perfectly. She never oversings, allowing the songs to breathe and the storytelling to remain front and centre.
Harmonies and Subtle Arrangements
Instrumentally, the band create a beautifully layered sound. The cello is the unexpected star of the record, adding a deep resonance that enriches the arrangements and sets Saltaire slightly apart from the usual guitar-and-fiddle folk template. Beneath it, Lyons’ bodhrán provides a subtle rhythmic heartbeat while bouzouki and guitar lines weave together with understated elegance.
The trio’s harmonies are another highlight. Carefully layered and thoughtfully arranged, they give the EP a sense of intimacy while also expanding its sonic palette. The result is music that feels both delicate and full-bodied, a difficult balance that Saltaire manage with ease.
There is a quiet confidence throughout Only Moonlight. Nothing feels rushed or overworked; instead, the songs unfold naturally, guided by musicians who clearly trust both the material and each other. It is the sound of three performers who have spent years honing their craft in other projects and now bring that experience to a shared vision.
A Band Made for the Stage
Only Moonlight is, ultimately, an unexpected delight. It may sit comfortably within the broader folk tradition, but the quality of the musicianship, the warmth of the arrangements, and the gentle beauty of the performances make it stand out. If the EP is anything to go by, Saltaire are a band whose music will truly come alive on stage.
After hearing this record, I would happily take any chance to catch them live.
