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Written by Aaron Brummet Friday, 10 November 2006 03:22

If the worst thing about your band is the name, you're probably doing something right. And to be honest, it's hard to find many flaws with this Canadian Celtic fusion band.

OK, so let's not lie. The name "Enter the Haggis" isn't awfully inviting (nor appetizing).

Fortunately, abbreviation is always here to save the day for ETH. Besides, if the worst thing about your band is the name, you're probably doing something right. And to be honest, it's hard to find many flaws with this Canadian Celtic fusion band. Since its inception in 1996, ETH has been producing a fantastic blend of Celtic, bluegrass, and rock sounds. Toss in the occasional dabs of blues, funk, and Latin, and you've got quite a stew of sound (additional food reference not intended).

ETH has kept up an admirable touring schedule, playing everything from Scottish to Irish to folk festivals across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Fitting with the "world" music title, their style freely bounces through cultures, giving them an appeal to those around the globe (or at least the Western hemisphere). In addition to the guitar/bass/drum combo of most rock bands, you'll also welcome the sounds of a fiddle, piano, violin, Highland bagpipes, and tin whistles should you choose to indulge your multicultural side. If that isn't enough for you, consider the gritty vocals of St. Louis folk poster boy Casey Reid, who is also on the bill.

As many a Haggis head has discovered, the name may be sketchy, but the music is unquestionably good. | Aaron Brummet

Tour dates: 11/7: Waterloo, IA | Jamesons; 11/8: St. Louis, MO | Off Broadway; 11/10: Evansville, IN | Ri Ra; 11/11: Louisville, KY | Pheonix Hill Tavern; 11/12: Knoxville, TN | World Grotto; 11/15: Boston, MA | The Harp; 11/16: Burlington, VT | Higher Ground; 11/17: Northampton, MA | Iron Horse Music Hall; 11/18: Northampton, MA | Iron Horse Music Hall; 11/19: Sellersville, PA | Sellersville Theater; 11/21: New York City, NY | Lion's Den; 11/22: Vienna, VA | Jammin Java