Proterra

From it's plaintive opening to its tender finale, Proterra is an album of remembrance, linking past to present, ancient themes of hardship and hope reverberating in the ripples of time to remind us that the struggles and joys of the past are ours now as well. The theme of the album seems to be the interconnectedness of human life, with each other and with the land: the old, the young, the land, war, and peace contribute to the political, spiritual, and environmental message. "For the Land," the Latin translation of the title, refers to the link Celtic people feel with the land upon which they live, surrounded by the sea upon which they depended.

Released in 2003, in collaboration with Paul Mounsey, Proterra celebrates the 30th anniversary of the band Runrig.

Others have written extensively on Runrig's Celtic/Rock style, and their history is posted on Runrig's website. What I found most pleasing about this album, besides the excellent musicianship and overall top quality production, is the thought provoking poetry of the lyrics. These are songs that can make a difference in people's lives. Besides being a fantastic listening album, it is an album to make you ponder.

"The Old Boys" features the warm, liquid voice of Canadian Bruce Guthro enhanced with vocal harmonies that melt together around the simple instrumentation. The link to the past is expressed in the line "The old boys are leaving / the young birds go flying." The voice of an old man speaking Gaelic at the end is especially poignant when contrasted with the opening of the following track, "Proterra" with children's voices completing the circle.

"Empty Glens" gives an environmental plea and warning. "Here the water washed us clean / A deeper peace for all our keenest sins / Washed in these clear, clear crystal fountains." "In the darkest heart, the pride of man will walk alone." [Runrig managment also points out the dual meaning of these lyrics, which can also be understood to refer to the emptying of Scottish churches. -Ed.]

Political themes are strong. The lyrical "Gabriel's Sword," an anti war hymn proclaims "And the words that spell forgiveness wear a thorny crown."

"From the North" could be movie music with its edgy instrumentation thrusting ancient themes into the modern era.

Several songs are sung in the Gaelic language, its earthy sound naturally suited to the themes expressed. "An Toll Dubh" (The Dungeon) is a lament to the oppression of the Gaels. Powerful marching percussion and chanting voices contrast to the background strings creating again a cinematic mood.

Two songs on the album were written in response to the tragedy of September 11th. "There's a Need" is an impassioned cry of mixed grief and hope. "She's sleepwalking with the damned / A photo etched in her hands / There's a need." "We're all waiting in the night / Together for the light to take us there / The promise of a greater fate / With all your dreams complete / In the warm last place". The last cut is also a tribute to 9/11 "Angels from the Ashes" by former member Blair Douglas. You can imagine the teardrops falling in this tender piano solo.

Despite the honest portrayal of pain found throughout the album, a beam of spiritual light shines through, as in the lovely poetry in "Day of Days:" "We passed through the last aurora / and we rise / soul kites in a diamond sky / Boarding the morning of the free / Re-born in the dawning, complete."

--Review by Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com