Dallas Morning News
The Killdares at House of Blues

Nancy Moore | July 25, 2008

Some folks might know the Killdares only as that rock band with the bagpipe player that's always playing by the lagoon at the State Fair of Texas. For those who've never experienced the Celtic-rock quintet outside of that setting, check out the group's new album, Secrets of the Day. Produced by Ronan Chris Murphy (known for his work with Robert Fripp and King Crimson), the collection of songs includes some spunky straight- up pop tunes ("Seasons," "Secrets of the Day"), some moody ballads ("Space," "Disappear") and, best of all, three of the group's signature jig-and-reel instrumental jams ("Glasgow Reel," "Long Island High," "Rose de Lay"). Strong musicianship by bagpipe player Matt Willis and fiddle player Roberta Rast is peppered throughout the work. At times, singer-drummer Tim Smith sounds a little like REM's Michael Stipe. Jim Dawson and Brek Lancaster round out the group on bass and guitar, respectively. The Killdares will kick off their tour with an album-release show on Saturday at House of Blues.