With its distinctive double-flute attack, [wimpLink artistId="3611304"]Flook[/wimpLink] (named for a character in an old British comic strip) has an airy sound whose roots might be in Irish music, but whose branches extend far and wide, often well beyond the Celtic world, and on [wimpLink albumId="241542932"]Rubai[/wimpLink] the band even offers some jazzy touches, such as the flute/wah-wah mandolin interplay on "The Empty Pod." There's a wonderful, easy melodicism about the sound, whether it's a jig, a Swedish polska, or even a hint of reggae, as on "Granny in the Attic," with its glorious trombone. And while much of the material is original (or contemporary), there's a traditional feel about it all, making it readily accessible. Guitarist [wimpLink artistId="8841526"]Ed Boyd[/wimpLink] might have a supporting role, but he fills it wonderfully, while [wimpLink artistId="7243280"]John Joe Kelly[/wimpLink] remains something of a revelation on bodhran, making it as expressive as a whole range of percussion. In many ways, this is [wimpLink artistId="3611304"]Flook[/wimpLink]'s real coming-of-age record, where everything sounds exactly as it should, with a continued expansion of the musical boundaries. It can only be a matter of time -- and sooner rather than later, one hopes -- that [wimpLink artistId="3611304"]Flook[/wimpLink]'s true genius is finally hailed. ~ Chris Nickson