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Pearse McGloughlin

Twine

Classic folk, played with love and a complete understanding of his art. I'm loving this EP from Pearse. Simply recorded with no frills. Every sound and layer is put exactly where it needs to be put.

There's sometimes a compulsion for singer-songwriters to go overboard on their recordings, like, they lack the courage in their own convictions to be able to leave well enough alone when the job's been done. But not for Pearse McGloughlin on his Twine EP.
Kind of reminds me of lazing about on a Sunday afternoon, relaxing with a beer and daydreaming while waiting for the dinner to cook. Great stuff!
Review by Tobye Hillier

5/6
www.walkperson.net

Pp3 Blue

 

There was much confusion, and rotating in cold hands of this CD's cover, "What the hell is that supposed to be?" oh well its blue anyway, I have still only gathered that much. An upside down duck? never mind. On a frozen December morning on the bus, I tentatively chose this on my iPod. Oh Jesus, what a fantastic start to the day. Lovely and chilled, "Suddenly" this tune set me up well for the long day with the gentle piano. And really beautifully suited the snowy landscape out the windows, too. Second track "Blue" is completely different, with a still laid back, loose beat, but crazy sounding organ. Brilliant song to freak stoners out, methinks.

If you enjoy the JK Ensemble on Lyric FM you will love this album. It's perfect. It's not full- on jazz for purists, it has just enough blippy trippy bits to keep you on your toes, thinking, "Why the hell is that there?"

Review by Aoife Kiernan

5/6
http://www.myspace.com/philparnell

Pavesi

EP Review

Taking their name from the old ballroom where they practised, Pavesi are a four piece from Donegal. They've just released a three track EP.

The EP opens with 'East Side' a melodic mid tempo track. There's nothing wrong with the track, it all just seems a tad safe and a bit formulaic. The chorus has a nice little hook, it just needs more of a build up into it to differentiate itself from the verse. There are also two instrumental breaks, in a four minute song it seems a bit overkill and slightly drains the energy from the song. The last minute of the song is entirely instrumental. Cut that off, you've a better chance of radio play.

From the opening notes of 'Shake' I'm asking if this is the same band, there seems to be more energy to the song. The drum/guitar into works well and is a lot more contemporary than the previous track but somehow falls back into a safe mode.

Listening to the two tracks, it seems that the band may have over produced themselves. While the tracks are mid-tempo, and well thought out, again there's not enough definition in the production and mix for this writer.

Turnaround Year is the best track on the EP, perhaps the band used a different producer. There are more highs and lows to Turnaround Year, the instruments are better mixed together. Much better all round.

The first two tracks just are too safe and there's nothing we haven't heard from other bands here. Turnaround Year seems to be from a different collection altogether. More of that one please.

Review by Vanessa Monaghan

http://www.myspace.com/pavesimusic

Press Empire

 

When we first stop to think of Irish Indie rock music we say Codes,Delorentos.. we can now add Press Empire to that list. generating enough musical energy from every song and injecting some classical music talent into the vein of the sound, this is one band that will stand tall amongst the music scene today, with songs like Watered Down Vodka and Safety Net remember the name Press Empire because they will be a radio favourite for sure, superb stuff.
Review by T.Halpin

6/6

http://www.myspace.com/pressempire

Palko

 

Dreamers

Palko are a four piece rock band from Cork/Ireland and have already made some ears stand up in the music industry also playing this years Indiependence festival I'm sure they we fit right in hear after what Ive heard on the debut album Dreamers, Palko are full of energy and pulsate every note to it's limit on this album, spoiling us with twelve songs to sink the ears into Palko experiment a bit with some funk elements and it works really well on Take me Down' or should I say funk with a taste of soul, it's fresh and a change from the norm but they still add their overpowered guitar energy.
The album title gets a plug on track seven" Dreamers", it's deep and murky with it's heavy guitar trashing moments, you will hear the potential from Palko through out this album and this is only the beginning, I'm sure it's going to be a great rock n roll ride for Palko.
Review by T.Halpin

4/6

http://www.myspace.com/palkotheband

PHIL LEWIS

 

Movement in Space EP
A singer songwriter that has the ability to be bigger than he has ever dreamed of. On first listen to the album I was like yes this guys has it all. You can argue that this album is pop and rock just like the Run DMC and Aerosmith link up. Lewis has a voice that cant be compared to anybody else which is always a good thing. This man is a melody genesis and really knows how to write happy songs. The drumbeats and guitar riffs are bang on time and suit the songs down to a tee. His songs will lift you up and this is a really feel good album.
Review By Jennifer Ormsby
4/6
http://www.myspace.com/phillewis1971

Paul Birtwell

 

"It is quite easy to dismiss any music labelled "Easy Listening" offhand. Most
music lovers below the age of 70, when faced with those two words, will go
through a thought process which invariably ends up with another two words:
"Daniel O'Donnell". *shudder*

But we often forget that this commonly belittled genre demands just as much
respect as rock, pop and hip hop do. Right? Let's find out shall we?

Paul Birtwell is a UK based easy listening singer-songwriter. His songs are non
confrontational and fit neatly into the box labelled "safe". His song Crazy
Love (not to be mistaken for the Van Morrison song of the same name) features
acoustic and electric guitar, synth strings, piano and an electronic sounding
drum kit. Nothing immediately jumps out about this song. Birtwell's voice is
nothing spectacular, his songwriting is average and the arrangement is
predictable. Its not bad, its just not great.

Until We Cry follows a similar formula and is the musical equivalent of
colouring inside the lines. Soldier of Love however is a pleasant surprise. Its
nearly 2 minute intro is borderline Pink Floydian and is very atmospheric with
Birtwell showing modest but considerable guitar skills. When the vocals come in
they are surprisingly uncomfortable and claustrophobic. One major quibble I have
with this song is that the production seems to have picked up an extremely
irritating high pitched hiss, the like of which many home recordings have. A
small but significant distraction to the song.

Paul Birtwell seems to know what he's doing. Anyone who labels themselves as
easy listening is bound to know that any deviation from the prescribed formula
will result in confusion for their target audience. Having said this in Soldier
of Love Birtwell shows himself as slightly daring for a musician of such a safe
music. There's definitely a lot of room for improvement for this guy. He's
mastered the basics now its time to build on that.
Review by Kevin McCabe

3/6

http://www.myspace.com/chaserduo

PeaceField

 

Stars Away

Peacefield comes from San Antonio,Texas,U.S.A , the six piece group bring some country blues and hard rocking tunes to this album, with the introduction first track "Daylight's coming fast" upbeat with a catchy tone, right through from verse to chorus there is a very snappy groove coming from the voice of Jeff Glatz and loving the Harmonica solo this adds a real nice touch to the song. To the final track "Submarine Hearts" with it's soft melody and easy country rock laid back feel, Clarity of music is sweet on albums and Peacefield have got it right on this album from fast to slow and mid tempo to up tempo songs Stars Away has music to fit your mood, If your gonna take some music on a road trip this album has some road worthy tracks on it.

Review by T.Halpin

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/peacefield

Pearce McGloughlin

 

Busy Whisper

Ireland has so many solo musicians in so many categories of music each one finding their own way in a musical journey, but one musician that stands out from the rest for me in 2010 is Pearce McGloughlin and with the release of his debut album Busy Whisper I'm sure this is the start of something special.

The album consists of ten tracks, some might say folk/roots I say warm and passionate, the intro song "L'espoir Des revenants" flowing guitar and subtle vocals almost an empty feeling but filled with the warmth of sound, like most of the album it has that feel. "Haunting Room" this is a nice simple minimal track, filled the voice of Pearce and soft hints of a xylophone, the song has beautiful feel to it.

Review by T.Halpin

6/6

http://www.myspace.com/walkperson

Preachers Son

 

X For Sandra single

Brian Hogan lead singer for Preachers Son imprints his voice deep like the bottom tone from a bass note and harmonizes with the high end melodies on X for Sandra, uplifting with it's moments of solemn tones, but superb vocals from the front man Brian switching dynamics in his voice complimenting the music to it's fullest , comparison Bowie meets Nick Cave for a very elegant afternoon tea.

Review by T.Halpin

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/preacherssonireland

Peter Fitzpatrick

 

Lonely Hearts & Car Parts EP

Irishman Peter Fitzpatrick (iMADEtheBBC) is no stranger to the music scene and has racked up cameos with some of Ireland's best musicians, Lonely Hearts & Car Parts is four tracks of acoustic folk music written straight from the soul, easy tempo and pleasant to the ears with excellent vocals on each track and comanding vocals by Peter, "What Did I know" an honest and peaceful song, a nice jazz tone can be heard from Peter's voice with some pretty lyrics ,this is my favorite on the EP, excellent stuff.

Review by T.Halpin

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/imadethebbc

Protobaby

 

Freedom EP

Protobaby is another prodigy of talent to emerge from Ireland, with the release of their fine debut EP Freedom "We're breaking out... Society has held us captive far to long" is the opening lyrics in the song Freedom these words for me show how much passion Protobaby have maybe to escape their sound and reach greater heights, what a great tune to kick off a EP. The main vocalist Colm Mc Guinness has got a deep mysterious voice but can enrich every track with a burst of passion in his voice, each song has it's very own little twist from soft melodic melodies to electro rock shocks just like a Dr jackal and Hyde,I think this could be a trade mark for Protobaby.. you can hear this being expressed in their song "I Think it's Time".. super debut EP and I'm sure this is only the beginning.

Review By T.Halpin

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/protobaby

PingPong

 

"Promo EP"
PingPong are a three piece electronic pop group from Dublin/Ireland, the promo EP has 3 songs to offer and leading the pack is track 1 "Hello,Hello" catchy and quirky with superb ambient melodies flowing around the song, the chorus has got a real 80's pop feel and will have you bopping your head from side to side! Track 2 "Smile" kicks in like a theme tune from a Bond movie with the soft spoken voice from lead singer Aine Corcoran makes this song sound like a nice chillout tune to relax to. Track 3 "I Know All About You" hypnotic vocals and ambient electro melodies fill this tune.
Review by T.Halpin

Rank: ***** 5 out of 6

http://www.myspace.com/pingpongmusic

PADRAIG RUSHE

 

"GREYWORLD"
Album review

Dublin's singer Padraig Rushe has soul flowing from his music and rich with gospel and blues just enough for everyone's taste, Grayworld is eleven tracks of a journey into Padriag's love for music and his passion in his voice really makes each song stand out. Songs are filled with heavy gospel and blues melodies like "Gonna be changes" soft chanting vocals sweeten every bar in this song, the dynamics created by the percussion and backing vocals lifts this tune to another level."Catcher in the rye" Deep gospel blues drives this tune along with some super backing vocals."Lord my Lover and me" blues/rock flows from the melodies in this tune and the deep tones in Padraig's voice shows a different side of his ability to use his vocals this is a cracking tune."Greyworld" If you like your Tracy Chapman you will love this song as Padraig has created something that i have not heard out of Ireland yet... and with songs like this international recognition is on the cards for Padriag Rushe, this album is a Must! to have in your collection.
Review by T.Halpin

RANK:****** 6 out of 6

www.padraigrushe.com

Pearse McGloughlin

"Changeling"

 

Pearse McGloughlin hes put together this three track sampler from his forthcoming album "Busy Whisper" due for release in the summer of 09" and the selection of songs will have you itching for more, first up on the EP is "Changeling" very soft and ghostly pop groove coming from the acoustic guitars as it creeps into help peek some fantastic vocals these are very well expressed nearly spoken in parts of the song with an harmonic tone from McGloughlin, the drums are that soft they almost sounds like a heart beat, beautiful song. the second song "Ways to kill a Werewolf" this has some great elements of folk but yet McGloughlin brings dramatics to the mood of the song, some very light guitar work but it seems to be just enough for this cunning tune. The third and final song is "Long Day" the piano works really well together with McGloughlin's voice this song is very moving and the dynamics find its own level in a very natural way, you can hear just a hint of John Lennon in McGloughlin's voice in this song not that i want to put a label on Pearse i feel he is in a league of his own, superb stuff looking forward to the album.
Review by T.Halpin

RANK:****** 6 out of 6

www.myspace.com/walkperson

PHIL LEWIS

 

EP review

Phil is an emerging christian singer songwriter from Cardiff/UK releasing his EP "Sad" in February 2009, the EP has very promising sounds i can say, both tracks on the EP are very upbeat and mainstream pop/rock.. both have catchy lyrics and some sweet guitar solo's too, I'm getting a very early 80's rock feel or early U2 guitar work in the sound, but Phil's vocals are very relaxed in parts of the EP" this is not a bad thing as it does suit the style that Phil is trying to express, I'm looking forward to see what 2009 brings for this artist.

Review by T.Halpin

RANK: **** 4 OUT OF 6

www.myspace.com/phillewis1971

PICTURE THE SCENE

 

Demo Ep

Review

Five piece band from Cork/Ireland, the mix is not the best on the cd but the potential is there, I like the vocals they give off a real 80's vibe they have a very pop sound coming from them,I would like to put them with a good producer and I know they would have a cracking Ep because I really think this band has got a real chance, the overall musicains are playing great on the Ep it's just the overall mix is a big let down. Rachel is the lead vocals and she has some good feel in her voice, my favorite track on the Ep is Track 3. "Advice" it's upbeat catchy and has all the moves, maybe it's just me but Rachel's voice sounds a bit like 80's star Tiffany....

Review by T.Halpin

Rank:**** 4 out of 6

www.bebo.com/picture-the-scene

Paradoxic

 

Paradoxic are a bunch of enthusiastic young indie bucks from Wolverhampton. Taking on a review, at this early stage is also a bold start, but shows an encouraging confidence. The band give a reasonable account of themselves with tracks like 'Crazy' an uptempo catchy romp and the bouncy and very Arctic Monkeys influenced, 'I can't believe'. At this stage of their young career they've got the band up on wheels as they say, but its their inexperience that is slightly holding them back at the moment. For example while the songs are quite memorable, energetically played and pretty well fronted by a the attention holding vocals of singer Andy (whose sound sits somewhere between Greenday's Billie Joe and and Placebo's Brian Molko). They are slightly hamstrung however, by some simple youthful exuberance. For example, Dan's drumming. A more than competent drummer for sure, but madly overplaying the tracks like a workman building a shed whilst late for an appointment and granted, the guitar hooks do compliment the general urgent inde-ness, but they're supposed to be just a "hook" to the song, not necessarily noodled randomly throughout its entirety, creating a mosquito-like annoyance (especially when also slightly out of tune, spoiling a half decent track like, 'In a nightmare'). But these are just details that come through experience.
But as young bands go, Paradoxic have a good platform and the time to make cool, energetic indie-pop tunes, despite the current tracks getting a wee bit 'samey' after three songs, its a strong enough start. Easing back a bit on the over-enthusiasm and getting those all important gigs in, to find what works and what doesn't will no doubt tighten things up considerably.

Review by Drumhead

RANK: *** 3 out of 6

www.myspace.com/paradoxictheband

PAUL ANDREWS

 

Currently singer/songwriters (both with and without bands) are two-a-penny at the moment and all over the album charts like a rash. So currently it would take something a little special o make the listening public cock a quizzical eyebrow to another one.
Paul Andrews from Dublin writes, sings and plays an acoustic guitar but does it in such a way that he draws you in and enchants you. The guitar playing is picked as opposed to strummed, almost in a flamenco style and Paul's soft, almost delicate voice is more than reminiscent of Paul Simon and certainly you can feel traces of 'Graceland' about his writing and a smidge of the "... and Garfunkle" era sound. On Myspace you can find four wonderfully ambient songs 'The Climber', May don't leave me', 'Walk with me' and 'Straight to you'. Each showing a depth of feeling and a deftness of touch. My only slight reservation (and I am really splitting hairs now) is the guitar playing style, while perfectly executed, is very similar on each track, which made me start hoping for a change in style after 3 or 4 songs, let alone a whole album, but I wish Paul every success and look forward to hearing more, marvellous stuff!

Review by Drumhead

RANK: ***** 5 OUT OF 6

www.myspace.com/paulandrewssongs

PAISLEY RIOT

UK based four piece band Paisley Riot have got a hard edge of emotional punk tunes with a hint of rock n roll to die for, with songs like “Wasted with you” upbeat good catchy number with a distinct punk influence and old fashioned rock n roll guitar riffs in the mix, Paisley riot have a unique sound to their music yet you can hear the commercial potential in their track “Books that you once read” with its moving and rich rocking roll sound, this is one band to keep you ear to the ground for.

Review by T.Halpin

RATE: ***** 5 OUT OF 6

www.myspace.com/paisleyriot

Paul Handyside

Future’s Dream

Pleasurably reminiscent of 80’s Irish folk roots Paul Handyside’s collection Futures Dream is both mature and refined. His melodious piano is gentle, bringing a deliberate kind of bleakness to the atmosphere of his songs, while the control of the instruments used blends delicately with the vocals. On the album as a whole: there is certain flatness to the mixture of tracks, and the softer country ballads are left without many lifts or shifts in tempo.

The music on this album works as a broad, relaxing backdrop for his momentary piano displays and delicate vocals.

Review by Claire Rushe

RATE:**** 4 out of 6

www.myspace.com/paulhandyside

PEACEFIELD

TEXAS USA, This band has a blend of counting crows and neil young and blends it together with their own original flavour!

SOMETIME SOON- A real anthem tune, vocals a very well laid down on this track, guitar solo and drums drive the melody very well.

MR SMITH- Great intro with the harmonica its nice to hear this in rock tune it gives it more feel, the vocals slide strait over the melody, nice laid back tune good sing a long.

LITTLE MISTRESS- The intro in this tune has harmonica again thats what gives this band a edge over the rest, its style and vocals are very well composed.

[review by T.Halpin]

STAR RANKING ***** 5 OUT OF 6

www.peacefield.info

PETER AND THE PENGUINS

 

Barefoot ep review

This is a band from Norway with a style from the The Beach boys with the some very well produced tracks on this ep. "Barefoot" the vocals play a very important part in this song and why I said that is because there is fantastic harmonies are perfect and this is not easy to do if you listen to this track you will hear the element of the beach boys with the rhythm and blues music to back it up. "There's no living here without you" vision yourself on a beach with a surf board yep 60"s style the concept for this tune is excellent vocals are superb with a swinging rhythm coming from the the band. "If you want to leave me for somebody new" shake your head like Ringo star deep rhythm and blues with a happy tone like a flashback to the 60's the vocals are very relaxed and composed with the swinging culture. "Biff, bang, pow" no not batman but more of The Who style coming from the rhythm with an upbeat drum line and rocking vocals.

Review by T.Halpin

RANK: **** 4 out of 6

www.myspace.com/peterthepenguins

PRIMROSE

 

What you want to believe album review

Primrose are a four piece band from Denmark with an Irish born singer songwriter," What you want to believe" is a ten track album with some real moving and passionate tunes, "Stranger come around" has a great feel coming from the rhythm with some nice chords and strings really opening the song giving it a fresh rock/pop tone vocals have a real laid back approach kind of indie feel but works perfect in this tune. "So alive" this is more of an indie rock tune with some great solo work on the guitar, lyrics are nice and catchy and they do relate to the feel in this tune great to see a band that capture the story around the music. "The best in you" came across with a laid back folk indie rock feel with a hint of country, vocals are very relaxed as the tune has its dynamics and peaks but very strong, early Counting crows with some cool melodies. "Pretty girl" this song has a real singer songwriter style, creative acoustic guitar sweet piano dipping in and out and the strings in the background add a great dynamic boost to the song with the vocals backing the tune up very well. "Insane" very deep with plenty of emotion in the vocals great concept for a song with a real deep folk rock feel almost a mystical Celtic feel with some abstract melodies but sounds great. "Ambitious girl" the groove in this tune has a great soul feel with a cool disco beat to lift the chorus vocals have a real Jagger feel laid back with plenty of passion this has to be one there best for me it has all of the characteristics of a great song. "Rude" the intro in this tune reminds me of a bond movie, very smooth and uplifting Duran Duran style with some catchy melodies. "Take on me" this is cool flowing tune rhythm dips and dives like a real traditional folk tune with the elements of Jeff Buckley, lyrics are fantastic and great vocal abilities. "Sad song" semi synthetic with some jazzy folk tones coming from the melody sweet piano work and vocals have superb dynamics very uplifting and dramatic. "Say's enough" the piano and vocal work on this track are fantastic they give off a Queen feel very moving and passionate one for the slow set.

Review by T.Halpin

RANK: ****** 6 OUT OF 6

www.primrose.nu