The maverick Irish instrumental outfit Lunasa return to the UK for a number of shows in June in support of their new album, Se.

The band have built up a fanatical following here over the years and are regarded as Ireland's premier traditional band.

Named after an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lunasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland.

Its members have helped formed the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade: Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key member of The Waterboys, and later, with guitarist Donogh Hennessy, formed the dynamic rhythm section of The Sharon Shannon Band. Fiddler Sean Smyth is an All-Ireland champion while Kevin Crawford is considered to be among the finest flautists in Ireland. They were called an "Irish music dream team" in the magazine Folk Roots.

Lunasa redefine traditional Irish music with an intricate, groove-driven acoustic sound and distinctive use of upright acoustic bass teamed with percussive guitar.

"There are lots of great melodies in Irish music, but often people don't hear the rhythms underneath," says founding member Sean Smyth.

"We try to relate the swing or energy out of the music, using new rhythms, letting each instrument add its own unique layer. We'll play the same tune over and over searching for the groove, exploring it. We let the music find its pulse."

The result is a sound that, though distinctly Irish in flavor, touches on jazz and other improvisational music forms.

Starts 8.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50. Call 01273 647100.