Heroes is the long-awaited follow-up to
Reel Feelings' 1996 independent debut Bealtaine. Like that earlier recording, this album concentrates on music either of Celtic tradition or original music influenced by it. While Bealtaine was predominantly a Kerstin Braun effort as she sang lead and either wrote or arranged most of its selections,
Heroes is more of a group effort. Braun's input is still substantial, however -- guitarist and vocalist Uwe Lölke contributes in kind in both songwriting and lead vocals, while lead guitarist Heiko Schöley produced the album. This recording has more of that intangible "band sound" to it. Perhaps their label, Germany's Hei Deck Records, influenced their bigger sound or, likelier, the five years that elapsed since their previous album allowed for growth and change. Nevertheless, this is a more mature effort that, rather than straying from their earlier influences, has noticeably built upon them and sharpened them. ~ Dave Sleger