With this band ostensibly on the verge of the big time in 1974, its record label announced a major U.S. tour; flew me and two other writers to London for interviews and a concert; and readied a full-scale promotional campaign. But the tour never happened. And when America turned a deaf ear to the group’s record, RCA canceled its contract.

Fortunately, though, Horslips remained intact, found a new label, and watched its music, which weds traditional Irish instruments to a rock framework, go from good to excellent. Potent harmonies and bright melodies abound on Aliens, the outfit’s latest and best album, which compares favorably with recent work by the Strawbs and Jethro Tull.