Reviews
"...there’s nowt as dear as folk – especially when played with the grace, daring and sheer joy this multi-instrumental five-piece bring to a winning selection of reels, jigs and hornpipes."
The Daily Mirror
"Folk just got a kick up of the Noughties... stunning use of instrumentation, gorgeously crafted songs, sprightly foot-tappers, verve and raw excitement."
Belfast Telegaph
“Calan’s on a mission to prove that traditional Welch music, based on folklore and taught and performed through the generations, actually does rock. They’ve got us convinced.”
— Elmore Magazine
“Welsh-based band CALAN may have its music anchored in ancient roots — traditional Welsh music incorporating accordion, fiddle, pipes, and harp — but the sound has translated to a modern audience on a grand scale.”
— Yahoo!
“Composed of a new generation of ambassadors, striving to take their sound to new audiences, raising some eyebrows with their deliberate presentation.”
— BLURT
“It is clear that these five Welsh musicians are aiming to add a contemporary flavor to a longstanding style of music. For three immensely exciting minutes, that proves to be a winning recipe.”
— Atwood Magazine
“A fantasy of fiddling and harp, a downright theatrical piece of traditionally stylized folk music.”
— MAGNET
"...these three lasses and two lads demonstrate virtuoso playing throughout their lightning fast tunes, eastern influenced jazzy improvised numbers, and glorious harmony laden female Welsh folk songs."
Taplas
"Their debut album is as energetic as you as you might expect, but it also has subtlety and, in places, a mournfulness that is impressive in such a young band…Aside from the runaway jigs and reels, we're also treated to Bethan Rhiannon singing (in Welsh)... and creating a beautiful sound. ...A group of musicians with a bright future ahead of them."
Songlines
"I think this album is smashing."
Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2
"Bling is the first album by a young Welsh quintet with a lot of talent... it is rather a splendid debut."
Rock 'n' Reel
"Traditional Welsh folk music is given a wash and brush up by Calan on Bling. This is a fine collection of modern sounding tunes from a talented band. It's energetic and fast paced, and with crisp production form Maartin Allcock."
JRS
"When I first came across Calan they not only impressed me with their stage presence but also the standard of their musicianship. Wow! Wonderful tunes expertly played. Some how I had to get to involved."
Maartin Allcock
"Calan have it all. Energy, attitude, freshness, a sense of fun and above all, real talent."
Frank Hennessy, BBC Radio Wales