Flook

Flook were shortlisted for Best Folk Group in Ireland’s RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards 2019

Ancora was nominated as Best Album in BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2019

Due to overwhelming popular demand, the legendary Flook are well and truly back on the scene. After a recording hiatus of 14 years, Flook released their latest album, Ancora, in April 2019.

With the flutes and whistles of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly, this iconic band weaves and spins traditionally rooted tunes into an enthralling sound – with agile but tight rhythms and virtuoso improvisation. Flook possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.

Formed over 25 years ago by four friends, Flook burst onto the international
music scene with their debut studio album, Flatfish. The band had a remarkably successful performing and recording career - the sheer enjoyment of playing together shone through their albums (Flatfish (1999), Rubai (2002) Haven (2005)) but it was their live performances that really captured the hearts of those who watched and listened. The rapport between these four musicians, and the sheer enjoyment they developed in playing together,was commented on by audiences and critics alike. Having won Best Band at BBC Folk Awards 2006, Flook took a break in 2008, but they didn’t stay silent for long, and the last 5 years has seen them playing occasional live shows, including short tours of Japan, Ireland and Germany, as well as festival shows. Their most recent album, Ancora, was released in April 2019 with a sell-out 17-date tour of England and Wales.

Brian Finnegan said, “Way back in 2005 when we released our 3rd studio album Haven, little did we know that it would be our last for almost a decade and a half. We took a break in 2008, followed our hearts and instincts and went our separate ways; had kids, got hitched, loved, lost, explored the musical world post-Flook. But when Flook came calling again in 2013, so the voltage returned and like all deep friendships it felt like we’d never been apart. Part of the decision to re-group was the understanding that we had much left to say as a band, and a certain responsibility to our loyal fans, old and new, to create Flook music of the present, rich in both past and future. The imagery associated with the meaning of Ancora is abundant indeed. It is the Latin word for anchor, be that to the seabed or in the kith and kin of our lives. It also means ‘hope’ and ‘again’. The great Italian master Michelangelo was attributed as saying “Ancora Imparo” on his 87th birthday, meaning “I am yet learning”. This resonated in us and was present throughout the process of recording ‘Ancora’. So, deeper in we go. Thanks for listening.”

There is no shortage of virtuosity amongst the members of Flook, but the unique impact of this sensational Anglo-Irish group stems from the wholly intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, frets and skins. Ancora marks a return after too long away, but also a continuation.

Brian Finnegan - whistles and flutes Sarah Allen - flutes and accordion Ed Boyd – guitar John Joe Kelly – bodhrán

Flook
“Tour de force return after decade and a half – a luminous reunion ****” The Irish Times

“Flook’s role and influence in the exploding excellence of instrumental folk music of various persuasions on these islands shouldn’t be underestimated... as vital as ever ... Class is indeed permanent” fRoots

“Virtuoso playing abounds ... the most creative bodhran player on the planet ... superb technique plus a genuine feel and some stonking tunes is a powerful recipe” MOJO

“Considered, intelligent and compelling, their virtuosity and sheer joy at making music shines through in every note” Ellen Cranitch, RTE Lyric FM

“Mysterious, joyful, a wonder to behold” Sean Smith, Boston Irish Reporter “Flook are back with a bang, and better than ever

– a very welcome return from one of folk’s finest bands” Irish Music Magazine

“...it’s Flook’s absolutely unique combination of sensational musicianship and sensational symbiosis, the rapport and interplay, the astounding precision of phrasing and rhythm, the unfathomable tightness and phenomenal agility, the boldness of their musical flights, and yes, the immense variety concealed within the beauteous intricacy of the traditional-styled yet mostly self-penned tunes they play.... As brilliant, inventive, and tremendously exciting as always. Music to move and uplift. Again and again. Encore!!” David Kidman, Fatea

"Iconic, ground-breaking, progressive and all-round brilliant” Lynette Fay, BBC Radio Ulster "In the pantheon of Irish/English folk groups they don’t come much more revered than Flook."

Irish Post
“Four brilliant musicians. Four times as much brilliant music” Time Out

“Multi-layered, rhythmically sophisticated and meltinglybeautiful.” Glasgow Sunday Herald "Never have I seen so many people so completely and utterly

spellbound...the most magical of experiences." The Irish Post

"In the US, their reputation borders on the Messianic ..." Irish Music Magazine

"Head and shoulders above the rest... Magnificent" The Irish Times

“A sensational live act.... in the front rank of the innovators” The Rough Guide to Irish Music

“You need a cold shower to fully wake up to the phenomenal potential of this music”

Irish Music Magazine

“They looked for all the world like four people - until they startedplaying when they became as tight as one while producing a sound as rich as ten” The Shetland Times