It's definitely a compliment when an Irish folk band is said to be to its genre what Arcade Fire are to indie. But that's just part of the praise heaped on Gráda since their formation in 2001. The five-piece, which is made up of musicians not just from Ireland but also New Zealand, has undergone some lineup changes over the years, but remains true to its musical base, thanks to the core of bassist Andrew Laking and guitarist Gerry Paul, both of whom grew up in New Zealand. For the first few years, Gráda were quite prolific, releasing their debut, Off to Sardinia, in 2001, then following up a year later with Endeavour. The Landing Step arrived in 2004, then Cloudy Day Navigation in 2007, an album that saw them appear several times in the Irish Top Ten. The band issued Natural Angle in 2010, after focusing on touring and bringing in new members. Produced by Tim O'Brien and with a guest appearance by Alison Brown, the album has a little more of an American connection. ~ Chris Nickson