The fact that such attention is being given to a film soundtrack speaks volumes of the significance of Kíla as one of Ireland’s most important exports. Teaming with Parisian composer Bruno Coulais, Kíla have once again worked their collective musical genius.
You don’t need to have seen the film - though it might help - to appreciate just how magnificent this collaboration really is. Kíla, much revered as an Irish act who perform world music, are at their colourful, atmospheric best under the direction of Coulais. While the album, in truth, is mostly composed of music that accompanied the animation as opposed to songs in their own right, a couple of Kíla songs from previous albums are included at the album’s end.
Before long, you may find yourself drawn, by the music, into another world or realm. Such is the intensity of this soundtrack. You may realise - by track titles if not music alone - that Kíla are an Irish band, but few bands have given Irish such a broad and worldly treatment.
It isn’t often that such soundtracks merit comment, let alone such a heralded release. But then, it would be improper to ignore any work of Kíla. Quite splendid.