Damian O’Neill: An Crann
Dimple Discs
Obtainable now
I final noticed Damian O’Neill on a stupendous night in Blackpool (if that isn’t an oxymoron). With The Undertones. He was firing on all cylinders and taking pictures from the hip with these riffs everyone knows and love. There’s little question he has all the time had hooks to burn and he can be proper up there as one of many foremost Punk-Pop Progenitors. Nevertheless, the discharge of An Crann reveals that Damian O’Neill has multiple string to his finely-tuned bow.
An Crann (The Tree) is completely completely different from O’Neill’s typical model, it’s much less Vive le Rock and extra Vive la Distinction because the Derry guitar wizard, now London-based, proves he can thrive as a multi-instrumentalist. And simply to brighten the bundle, the sleeve is a stupendous {photograph} taken by O’Neill’s daughter Rosa. These will not be the songs we’re used to, as An Crann is basically instrumental and sees O’Neill taking part in a wide-range of devices, corresponding to mandolin, acoustic guitar and farfisa organ.
All conceived and recorded in O’Neill’s attic throughout Lockdown, An Crann has greater than a touch of an Irish really feel to it, although not in a standard manner aside from Manannan mac Lir which options some very creditable mandolin taking part in. An Crann was additionally the title of a peace and reconciliation organisation based mostly in Derry within the early ‘90’s and it’s honest to say the music on this album is peaceable and calming. It’s a group of lovely, various soundscapes from the peace of Malin Head Imminent to the extra Bluesy really feel of La Tengo.
Nevertheless, An Crann is just not about choosing particular person tracks, it’s extra of a whole expertise with the number of the tracks solely enhancing the entire listening expertise. Do your self a favour, lock the door on these cruel winter nights, give this a spin and let your thoughts float downstream.
All phrases by Dave Jennings. Extra from Dave could be discovered at his Louder Than Struggle Writer Archive. He’s additionally on Twitter
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