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Category: Music Review

  • Resurrection Fern: Transcend Mortality Review

    ResurrectionFernThis is an album that somehow managed to slip through without me getting to it this year. Resurrection Fern are together since 2008 and ‘Transcend Mortality’ was released at the end of June. Bad me..

    So what’s it like? I got a nice surprise actually. Once the words Resurrection or Mortality are mentioned I automatically think of some death metal stuff. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Resurrection Fern are an alternative folk ensemble, led by songwriter Bean Dolan.

    The album starts with ‘Brothers’, a great crossover track with layered vocals and a distinct  Americana/country styled vibe. The tempo track is built up from guitar and double bass and is a fantastic introduction to the band. At 6.18 It’s a little long for radio but if It were me, I’d be doing a radio edit and getting to the States with this one.

    Instrumental track ‘Fasten The Clamp’ sees the band introduce a little Irishness to proceedings in the shape of a whistle. Not being a fan of trad ( I know shoot me), this is just enough without going overboard.

    The album dips a little with the slower/lower register tracks but excel during more upbeat numbers. ‘Hummingbird Heart’ shows off the vocal talents of Dolan and the female backing vocalist. During ‘Stay in the Sun’, the musicianship and vocals are perfectly balanced for a magical ride.

    During the more uptempo tracks Dolan’s vocals are clear and strong and this gives the whole sound an added dimension. ‘Two Days Driving’ shows this off perfectly.

    Finishing off with ‘When You’re Weary, Come Home’, Resurrection Fern bookend a really good record. Some of these tracks could do really well on US country radio, given the market size that ain’t no bad thing. Resurrection Fern could take on the folk world – and win.

  • Revolution For Dogs: Baptism of Fire Review

    revolution for dogsDublin stalwarts Revolution For Dogs have just released their debut, ‘Baptism of Fire’. The album includes a number of previous singles and this collection brings all the tracks together for maximum impact.

    There’s only one way to play this album, yep, loud. It starts with ‘Mission to the Sun’, a cyber rock song with a pumping bass line and swirling synth sounds. The synth feeling continues into ‘Home’ where its met head on by prog rock, making quite an interesting sound.

    Produced by Liam Mulvaney, this ten track album really doesn’t have a bad song on it. The band don’t mince their words either, which is nice. ‘Tommy’ tells the story of poor auld Tommy who goes nuts and kills the neighbours. And that’s just the first verse. It’s a dark driving track with some great drumming. It’s a no bullshit rock album which veers from prog rock to indie stopping off at some drug infused gems (Blondie). Think strings, bells and Lucy in the Sky.. and you’ll have a rough idea. (more…)

  • Pearse McGloughlin: Twine EP Review

    Pearse McGloughlin Twine EPThis originally appeared on Goldenplec.

    Pearse McGloughlin, while remaining slightly under the radar, has placed himself as one of Ireland’s best emerging artists. Following on from last year’s ‘Busy Whisper’, McGloughlin has released a 4 track EP, ‘Twine’.

    Opening with the title track, the EP is a step forward for McGloughlin. Its minimalist, with sparse production.  This though, gives each instrument and vocals room to breathe.  ‘Twine’ introduces us to the EP with McGloughlin’s vocal and guitar  joined by violins and percussion. Clever overlaying of violins lines give this track a rich quality while Maria Blackwell adds ghostly layered backing vocals.

    Morning Mist (The Birds) is more uptempo than the opener. It’s easy to imagine how this track would sound with a full band sound from this production. Again, layered chorus vocals build ‘The Birds’ refrain up to a crescendo. Subtle tints of whistle and great string arrangement turn this into something special. ‘Mercedes and The Kingfisher’ is a haunting track, giving McGloughlin’s vocals and lyrics centre stage. Guitar and harmonica compliment here.

    ‘Sphereosphere’, finishes off the EP with 2 minutes and 30 seconds of intelligent lyrics, beautiful vocals, harmonies and uplifting rhythms. The track builds up beautifully combining all the elements we have heard in the EP and cleverly ends without overstaying its welcome. Divine.

    This is an amazing stepping stone between albums, can’t wait for the next chapter.

  • Vyvienne Long: Bad Move Review

    vyvienne long

    ‘Bad Move’ is the new single from Vyvienne Long and is taken from the album ‘Caterpillar Sarabande’. ‘Bad Move’ is different from other music around. The track starts with delicate Bjork like vocals before a dark chamber string section grabs your ears, gives them a shake and demands them to listen up. Long manages to mix these elements of pop, folk, rock and classical to create a fresh approach. Arrangement on the track is intriguing and mesmerising and coupled with intelligent lyrics, is a late contender for my favourite track of the year.

    ‘They’re Not Waving’ opens with an dark string line before an uptempo beat brings the track to a more lightened mood. Great melodies, beautiful harmonies and a memorable chorus hook, don’t let the listener down. Again production on the track is fantastic, beautifully mixed and perfectly balanced. Listen on a great stereo system to get its full effect.  This is enough for me to get the album. Pure brilliance.