“OFF THE MAP” ALBUM REVIEWS

“...This first recording by Allan Yn Y Fan is a varied selection of mostly Welsh traditional instrumental music with some Irish and original tunes mixed in, as well. The arrangements and pace are nicely varied, with a mix of accordion, flutes, mandolin, fiddle, whistle and keyboards. Standout sets include "B De B/Bear Dance", on which the use of recorder gives the piece a medieval feel, and the closing tunes learned from the Battlefield Band that brings things to a rousing close. Welsh traditional music has a sound all its own, and this is as good an introduction to the music as I've heard. Recommended...”
• DIRTY LINEN MAGAZINE, February 2005, Jim Lee

“...Off The Map is an instrumental set, based around the basic tenets of Celtic trad songwriting, but which swings pleasingly from slow-moving to fast-paced, danceable tunes....A range of instruments is employed which create an array of moving songs which continually surprise with new sounds and moods...”
• SOUND NATION REVIEW, February 2004

“...Since the pioneering spirit shown by Welsh band Ar Log back in the 70s there has been a gradual rise in the interest in Welsh music with several fine bands emerging over the years. However, it has been more of a trickle than the deluge provided by their Celtic counterparts Ireland and Scotland. Here to restore the balance a little are Allan Yn Y Fan, a cracking young Welsh band whose wholly instrumental album provides a solid base from which to advance their ambitions in the future. They are a five-piece, two lads and three lasses, who play an abundance of acoustic instruments, whose strength lies both in their instrumental ability and in their arrangements of the tunes which are first class....”
• FOLK ON TAP, January 2004

“...Jolly offering from dedicated southern Welsh instrumental crew under the guidance of Geoff Cripps, whose tumbling, sensitive keyboards set the tone with Pibddawns Na Nog. Sensitive production from Dylan Fowler and skilful playing, especially Emma Trend on fiddle, adds to the appeal...”
• FOLK ROOTS MAGAZINE, October 2003

“...This mix of high-energy reels with slow airs and waltzes from Gwent’s twmpath favourites makes for a satisfying debut. With an orchestral battery of flutes, whistles, strings, accordion and keyboards to hand, they largely avoid the temptation to throw everything into the mix. Allan Yn Y Fan are openly honest about any Irish leanings and their bold experiment of playing Humours of Whiskey and The Butterfly simultaneously is a delightful success...”
• TAPLAS MAGAZINE, September 2003, Mike Greenwood

Catch a Celtic Gem
“...One of the best Celtic bands in Wales. The rich sound is created by the band of five all of whom are multi-instrumentalists. They are clearly comfortable in each other’s musical company as the tracks of Off The Map sing with an appreciation of the ages. It’s stirring stuff and anyone who has five minutes for folk music and South Wales should order a copy now. The sense of place is overwhelming and it feels like even the dead of the towns should come out and see Allan Yn Y Fan when they pass by...”
• SOUTH WALES ARGUS NEWSPAPER, September 2003, Matthew Blythe

“...The Welsh have been the poor relations of the Celtic scene, but this debut album goes beyond novelty. With a mix of flute, accordion, mandolin, fiddle and guitar they play plenty of their own tunes, with a full sound and an unhurried approach. Theirs is a traditional style that’s reassuringly rooted in a lost age...”
• MOJO MAGAZINE, 3* Review, August 2003, Colin Irwin

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