JP Ryan; an astute songwriter

DANCING WITH ANIMA: ALBUM REVIEW.

I was recently sent an album of JP Ryan's. I hadn't heard of him, and the album's title was not alluring, yet after a little hesitation I pressed play and was pleasantly surprised. After all it was raining outside, wind was strong and the fire was lit. So why not. While reading the PR notes I learnt that he has supported the likes of Rod Stewart to name but one. I began to think how many new acts get such a platform? I later learned that he has a good rep for his live shows, so if you are out an about be sure to check on his live dates over at http://www.jpryanmusic.com/JP_Ryan_/Tour.html

The album: JP Ryan's songs are enriched by a wonderfully warm, rich breathy vocal similar to that of the late Christie Hennessey and resonant of Tracy Chapman. The album Dancing with Anima, was released last year, to a quiet stir, obviously a slow burner, but yet it is filled with heart rendering ballads, that don't necessarily have a place on mainstream pop, but yet can seep into the crevices of modern folk and merit him with a modest bit of respect. Tracks of note include "Leave the radio on" & a lovely rendition of "Yesterday". All in all the album will not break record sales, but is a nice anecdote for a rainy day. "In my shoes" melody is like a toned down version of Limp Bizkit's version of behind  Blue eyes, and its annoying, very annoying.. Other than that, there is nothing offensive about this album, its safe and plays out with ease.

Too easy in fact, so much so that it may just get forgotten. Hopefully not as he is a fine songwriter and guitarist.

6/10

Henrietta Game: Black Ship

Henrietta Game: Black Ship

Henrietta Game; are a band of many qualities, so lets tick all the boxes here: they can compose elite songs that will knock many of their contemporaries out of the water like in the game battleships, they can all sing (the harmonies are astounding), they can all perform, they are each multi instrumentalists and they are each exquisitely good looking (in a medieval striking way). There is Cello, Guitar, Stomp, Violin, Glockenspiel, Drum, Piano and a vast array of lead and harmony Vocals. A merging of disparate musical influences that has resulted in something rather special indeed. It's almost like they are a distant cousin of Julie Feeney, as it has that same masterful touch and a mix of unique sinuous music composed to utmost masterful musicianship.

They have just finished recording their stunning debut Black Ship and are about to launch a new Single Sleep Then to what I believe will be a fast growing fan base. 

Impressively, Black Ship never over indulges, as some new bands tend to do on their debuts in a ply to overcompensate for something amiss, no, instead it expands and boasts a conundrum of epic soundscapes and its daring is only matched by its warmth and sublime textures.  It is worth noting that various members of the band are classically trained musicians, which adds a depth of sheer quality to their work. 

This album begs for the repeat button, and when it finishes you want to know why? and find yourself back in your seat in reality as it sucks you into its own world. In a good way. In a very good way.

check out their acoustic version of Black Ship performed live in The Ruby Session;

Seeping into absolute bliss

Very very rarely does one come across something unseen and unheard, especially in the age of technology, over hype and buzz words over saturating it, but when it happens that a little rock contains a sparkle to reveal it to be a hidden gem, ah when it happens its is majestic. 

Such a thing happened to me recently when in my dropbox came a gem of an album by Seeping Into Cinemas, a name I was unfamiliar with, but was instantly curious about. The album 100,000 times blends beautiful low-key delicate whispered vocals strewn together in a perfectly sublime manner; allowing each track to evolve into the next. 

The album is made up of of ten dreamy melodic haunting tracks that pays homage to a world full of broken hearted misanthropes and sad souls who dream of escape. Indeed it would be suffice to say that Barry O Briens work is reminiscent of the early soft acoustics of Smashing Pumpkins, Yo la Tengo and Low, as they have an allure that remains with you and lingers on - its melodic, its sublime, its special, absolutely worth giving it a listen and of course, spending a few quid on when the album comes out.

Check out  a track (Dour Hour)  from the album here: Note how cool O Brien and indeed his entire band are:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100501453370916

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‘Seeping Into Cinemas’  ‘100,000 times’ the debut album –
gets its Release date on: June 17th
go to the: Launch night June 16th Odessa, Dublin!