Anno Domini
On This New Day

The Anno Domini is an Irish band active in the early Seventies, formed, among others, by guitarist David 'Tiger' Taylor (formerly of Eire Apparent). Their first and only album "On This New Day" dated 1971 is an excellent example of folk-rock that nods to USA-made sounds. They owe much to the Byrds, but enrich their offering with British psychedelic touches, roughly recalling Kaleidoscope (UK) or, even better, their little-known cousins Fairfield Parlour (about which I wrote a review some time ago), although (once again) there are unmistakable beatle-esque references.

The sound of the LP is generally soft, and the beautiful acoustic melodies depict dreamy and graceful atmospheres, relaxing and enjoyable to the ear. Even the more rock-rooted tracks do not exceed a certain (low) threshold of aggressiveness, in typical "sixties" style, and let the tracks follow each other in a seductive musical whisper that, however, does not bore and presents a certain variety. The choruses and double vocals do the rest in crafting a definitely dated work, in terms of sound and structure, but still enjoyable today.

The first track is a (allegedly by everyone) good sustained version of "So You Want To Be a Star" coincidentally borrowed from the Byrds, which, along with "Bad Lands Of Ardguth" and "June Tremayne," composes the more rhythmic aspect of the album, while the more markedly rock tracks, plagued by a biting electric guitar, are "Hitchcock Railway" (released as a single) and "Daddy Rowlin." Everything else is undoubtedly soft acoustic folk, such as the title track "On This New Day," which evokes the "ghosts" of Simon & Garfunkel, and the engaging "The Trapper" (in my opinion, a highlight of the album) and the more tedious "Five O' Clock In The Morning."

"On This New Day" is a beautiful record that will definitely give intense emotions to lovers of the genre. Thanks to albums like this, you never stop delving into the music of half a century ago, through small and large nuances that make the musical landscape of the time truly varied. One might speak, perhaps, of a masterpiece if the release date had been at least 4 or 5 years earlier: by 1971, music had already moved forward (and not by a little!), perhaps explaining the limited success achieved.

The original vinyl is very rare today, but a reissue, including the single version of "Hitchcock Railway," can be found.