Sometimes it requires just a single listen to write something relevant to represent a new project. However, once in a while, the music takes your breath away somewhat, and you can’t fully write anything at all, until it’s completed its cycle at least once.
For me, this was absolutely the case with the sublime new EP from Clíodhna Ní Aodáin.
I feel like the explanation of the music, the story behind it, should come second in line after you press play. So as an introduction, For The Love Of Trees is an instrumental, neo-classical folk project, following intimate and organic live cello arrangements, occasionally with piano and other strings, through serene, sometimes melancholic, always evocative and beautiful melodic expressions.
Clíodhna Ní Aodáin brings a certain passion and nuance to the space, not simply showing off an ability on her instrument, but capturing a genuine level of gratitude and escapism for her subject matter, and a clear love for the magic of making music for the self. This quality alone is deeply soothing and often breath-taking to let fill the room.
Once you’ve hit play, it won’t come as too much of a surprise to learn that the stories behind these compositions relate to our relationship with the Earth.
Clíodhna Ní Aodáin’s inspiration was her respect and love for the natural world, the quiet presence of trees, and so each of these seven tracks calmly celebrates a particular moment or place. Seven places, in fact, that offer a much needed dose of stillness; a moment to stop, to be calm, to listen, and to feel grateful for the grounding wonder and constant steady presence of our forests and natural environment.
Linden Tree is somewhat heart-breaking, Rowan Tree is uncertain then hopeful, Lament for the Trees is artistic and vast, intriguing, cinematic, then blissfully soulful, and the title-track, For The Love Of Trees, is simply stunning.
Each track is purposeful and unique, but it’s not just the melodies and movements – it’s the tone, the nuance, the space between notes and the subtle, smooth bridges that run through them. It’s the real-time playing, the depth of the arrangements, the ambient additional echoes of performance, that truly make this an incomparable listening experience for 2026.
Clíodhna Ní Aodáin takes things back to the bare essentials of creativity and humanity. For The Love Of Trees is heartfelt, imaginative, and important, as a reminder of what truly matters in both music and life.
EP out August 14th. Find out more via The Celtic Cello.
