Review: Fathom—Available Light

From the leas and vales of Long Island comes a pounding, heart-rending sound that is a modern, yet ancient ceili for the ear. Fathom takes traditional Celtic motifs and sounds, blends in the modern influence of Irish rock and creates a look back that moves forward. The jigs and laments of the Irish diaspora mix with the high, keening wail of early U2’s Bono and the attitude of bands like the Cure, the Fixx or UB40. They blend to form a confluence that can re-energize the jaded masses, tired to death of cover bands and the too prevalent mono-dimensional blues-rock band. With songwriting that is closer to Dylan Thomas and the aforementioned Bono and throbbing rhythms, ethereal guitar and turbocharged fiddle, Fathom is inserted into a category closer to Eileen Ivers than the Clancy Brothers. The songs emote and smolder with expressed feelings in themes that range from failed love to a plea to Lady Wisdom. The words are peppered with Celtic iconography and the urge to move is irresistible. Fresh, new, old and traditional, like a breath of air off the heath, Available Light is dedicated to toppling towers and is refreshing in its conception.—Mark Gresser