Originally founded in Dublin, Ireland, back in 1963 by two schoolgirls, Alison O’Donnell and Clodagh Simonds, as The Gatecrashers, they released a single in England in 1968 under the name Mellow Candle. Years later, the band became a quintet with the addition of South African guitarist and singer David Williams (who later married Alison O’Donnell), Frank Boylan on bass and drummer William A. Murray. Numerous live concerts in their native Ireland, on the Dublin and London club scenes, and appearances at several festivals led to a record deal with the major label Decca. They recorded their debut album in December 1971 at the label’s own Decca Tollington Park Studios in London.

This (now!) famous album, Swaddling Songs, was released in April 1972 on Decca’s sub-label for progressive music, Deram. The cover was designed by David Anstey, a highly sought-after record cover illustrator who worked primarily for Decca. Magnificent songs and mystical, evocative lyrics make it an extraordinary musical work that draws on traditional English and Celtic folk styles and expands upon them with psychedelic and progressive rock elements in the form of complex time-signature changes and echo-laden guitar lines. The romantic and gentle songs are carried by solid, professional instrumental playing as well as the vocal talents of Alison Williams and Clodagh Simonds. The renowned international producer David Hitchcock also ensured a rich, full-bodied sound that further enhanced the lavish and complex arrangements.

Due to a lack of support from the record label and a poor public response, their first and only album disappeared from the scene immediately after its release. A fantastic album in every respect and one that is now highly coveted by collectors.