‍Eben, Dinaskañ, ArFolk, 2025

10/28/2025

‍Eben/Dinaskañ/ArFolk/2025

‍Personnel:

‍Vocals:

‍Sterenn Diridollou

‍Marine Lavigne 

‍Sterenn Le Guillou 

‍Instrumentalists :

‍Antoine Lahay – guitars

‍Julien Stévenin – double bass

‍Jonathan Dour – alto violin

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‍Eben, formed in 2018 for the Festival Interceltique de Lorient's “New Leurenn #3” project, is a Breton sextet with a clear artistic vision: to blend strings and voices, using the traditional kan ha diskan vocal style to tell contemporary stories. The sextet’s artistic statement was clearly laid down on the back of the jacket of their 2019 self-titled debut: 

‍Their latest release, Dinaskañ, is an astonishingly powerful recording of tremendous ambition and scope. Three young vocalists take Breton kan ha diskan -style singing to a new place with complex arrangements and exquisite harmonies, while the superb instrumental accompaniment is unique, nuanced, and wildly creative. Dinaskañ explores themes of resistance, poetry, and liberation. Demonstrating a visceral desire to enhance the Breton language, all texts are written and sung in Breton, albeit fully translated into french in the accompanying booklet. A small exception is the song "Douar Nevez" (New World), which includes a Galician section reflecting the group's broader inter-celtic influences. 

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‍In this record the lyrics address very current topics: social struggles, women's rights, the defense of minority languages and, hearteningly in these troubled times, resistance to fascism. The title Dinaskañ, meaning untangle, or disinter, is drawn from a poem by the renowned Breton poet Angela Duval, and encapsulates the group's intention to break down boundaries, both musical and societal. From the politically charged anti-fascist Dañs ar Bleiz, to Eostig Kuzh, a compelling feminist anthem, the album skillfully balances political engagement with musical depth.  The album captures both personal and collective struggles, with moments that range from quiet introspection (Hillig ur pok) to intense, tension-filled passages (Tremen) and bursts of optimism (Douar Nevez). 

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‍The vocal trio of Sterenn Diridollou (replacing Enora Jegou from the first recording) , Marine Lavigne, and Sterenn Le Guillou stand out with their distinctive voices and technical prowess, delivering mesmerizing performances that range from powerful to subtle. Accompanied by Antoine Lahay (guitars), Julien Stévenin (double bass), and Jonathan Dour (alto violin, a five string violin/viola hybrid), the group creates a sophisticated, singular sound combining elements of traditional music and jazz, among other influences. This musical setting is complex, subtle, and immersive, with each track contributing to a captivating and atmospheric listening experience.

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‍Through arrangements written, for the most part, by the three instrumentalists, and with most of the lyrics written by Lavigne, Dinaskañ uses traditional Breton music and singing to evoke very current subjects.  Dinaskañ avoids folk clichés, instead offering a fresh, emotionally resonant take on Breton music. It is an engaging, dynamic album that merges cultural traditions with political themes and musical innovation, making it a compelling listen for those who appreciate music with both artistry and message.

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‍- Fañch