Belfast Muslims does Edwall

And so the time is nigh. When you read this, it is supremely possible that Belfast Muslims will soon be performing the songs of Allan Edwall somewhere not far from where you are. Dare to subject yourself to songs about nature, love and affairs gone wrong, songs that are also bitingly critical of society in general.

The first time I heard this band was at the festival "Björkfestivalen" in Växjö in Sweden, in the summer of 2002. The combination of their folkrockish sound and the deep-rooted Nordic folk tradition made this a night to remember. Sort of like a cross between Fairport Convention, a children’s show on Swedish television and Tom Waits. All this, and the poetry of Allan Edwall.

Four hundred people sat there, for an hour and a half, transfixed by the spirit of the band.

I’ve since seen Belfast Muslims on many other stages, and everywhere the same thing happens: A kind of hush – serious and quiet, but still rather jolly – settles over the audiences. The band’s ever-present need to rough things up a bit, give the songs a strong sense of being redefined.

Belfast Muslims suffer and laugh through the songs of Allan Edwall – why don’t you join in?

Taking photographs, recording sound and loud yelling during the concerts, are recommended. Buying members of the band beers, is also strongly encouraged.