The Olllam

The Olllam is a fascinating and highly original instrumental trio, often described as a Transatlantic Celtic Post-Rock supergroup, known for their unique fusion of traditional Irish music with modern, complex rhythms and production. The core members include master uilleann piper John McSherry from Belfast, and Michigan-based multi-instrumentalist Tyler Duncan and master drummer Michael Shimmin. Their sound seamlessly blends the melodic grandeur of Irish pipes and whistles with intricate, often psychedelic post-rock and jazz-influenced rhythms, creating epic, trance-like compositions that critics have compared to finding a middle ground between Radiohead and a classic Irish folk band like Planxty. Named after the ancient Irish term for a “master musician,” the group gained widespread acclaim for their 2012 self-titled debut and their long-awaited 2022 follow-up, elllegy, with their musical reputation further boosted by the involvement of bassist Joe Dart and other members of the famed funk band Vulfpeck in their recordings and live shows.