Lankum, a contemporary Irish folk music group from Dublin, has made significant strides in the music industry since their inception. Originally formed as a duo named Lynched, Ian and Daragh Lynch released their debut album, “Where Did We Go Wrong?!” in 2003. This early work laid the foundation for their future endeavors, allowing them to tour internationally and explore the rich tapestry of Irish traditional music, which would later influence their sound.
In 2014, Lankum expanded to a four-piece band with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Radie Peat and violinist Cormac MacDiarmada. Their first album as a quartet, “Cold Old Fire,” showcased their evolving musical style and garnered attention within the folk music community. The band made a pivotal decision to change their name to Lankum in 2016, distancing themselves from negative connotations associated with their previous name, while embracing a title inspired by traditional folk ballads.
The release of their critically acclaimed albums, “Between the Earth and Sky” in 2017 and “The Livelong Day” in 2019, solidified Lankum’s reputation as a leading force in contemporary folk music. Their innovative blend of traditional and modern influences earned them multiple accolades, including the RTÉ Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year.
Most recently, Lankum’s fourth studio album, “False Lankum,” released in 2023, received widespread acclaim and was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize. With their unique sound and commitment to artistic integrity, Lankum continues to captivate audiences and redefine the boundaries of folk music.
