The Album

Avast and ahoy, ye landlubbers! Today ye get a real treat from Daniel Kelly, a singer/songwriter/filker from Yass, Australia. We recently discovered Daniel’s music when he started releasing one wizard rock shanty at a time, and we fell in love with this incredible folk singer! I am very pleased to be reviewing Muggles Ahoy, which came out on February 2, 2021. Let’s walk the plank and dive right in!

The Tracks

An upbeat track full of gorgeous harmonies starts the album. This song is called Gryffindor. Each verse describes the Hogwarts Houses with a call and response, sea shanty style. The lyrics are incredibly catchy and I love singing along to it. It’s an amazing start to the album.

Hermione is next, which starts with a single bass voice. The line splits into multiple harmonies during the chorus. The feeling that I get from this song is somber and regal, and it captures how incredible Hermione is. I continue to adore the harmonies and how clean the recording is.

What shall we do with the Cornish Pixies when Lockhart releases them in class? Why, nothing but to sing a shanty about it! This piece is just over one minute long, but it is nevertheless a great rendition of the famous song, Drunken Sailor.

Muggles in the Alley has a smooth lilting rhythm and – as usual – gorgeous harmonies. The lyrics tell about what we would do if there were Muggles in Diagon Alley. I very much enjoyed listening to the story that was told in this song.

What creature do you think magical pirates would want to have in order to find as much booty as possible? A Niffler of course! I loved this song about the fluffy little animal. Complete with a strong voice and beautiful harmonies, this song is perfect for any Niffler fans out there.

We are transported to Shell Cottage in the last song, Dobby’s Farewell. With waves crashing in the distance, the smooth vocals sing a mournful tune about the free house-elf. This song pulled at my heartstrings and I definitely teared up. It is a beautiful song to end the album, and leaves us feeling emotional as we say goodbye not only to Dobby, but to the end of the album as well.

In Summary

I am absolutely in love with this album. If you’ve been here long enough, you know by now that harmonies are my JAM, and there were harmonies aplenty in this one! Daniel’s voice does the wizarding world so much justice in these magical sea shanties, and I am so glad that he decided to make this album. I will definitely be listening to it over and over! In addition to his bandcamp, Daniel Kelly also has a website! If social media is more your style, here’s his Facebook and YouTube. I give this album a rating of one pirate joke:

Question: What is a pirate’s favorite letter?
Answer 1: R (Arr!)
Real answer: Ah, ye think it would be R, but a pirate’s true love be the C (sea)!