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AUDIO Zara Hedderman Andrew Lambert Fontaines D.C
A Hero’s Death [Rough Trade] Ev Carm Awake [andfriends Records] Just over a year removed from their explosive debut Dogrel, Fontaines D.C. return with a sophomore album designed to curb expectations and challenge the very idea of who Fontaines truly are. Frontman Grian Chatten’s Beat-inspired lyricism and proud Liberties drawl, intertwined with the skilful, emotive guitar work of Carlos O’Connell and Conor Curley, made for a potent and immediately striking sound back in April 2019, yet just 16 months on, Fontaines are hungry to explore new sonic ground. The abstract mantras of A Lucid Dream and A Hero’s Death that dominate these 46 minutes gift us a kind of spiritual, psychedelic power which reveal a unique layer to the band’s songwriting. Yet, some of the album’s best moments are also found in its more introspective tracks like the elegiac Oh Such A Spring, Sunny and particularly the poignant ending note that is ‘No’; all of which grant Chatten full poetic licence and allow him to emit an unmistakably McGowan-esque shine. Fontaines develop a better sense of cohesion across and flesh out themes that tie A Hero’s Death together as a concept rather than a collection of tracks. An ultra-focused and mature record, one that displays a considerable evolution for the young Dubliners and further establishes them as pioneers in the Irish music landscape and beyond.AL Like This? Try These: IDLES - Joy as an Act of Resistance Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights The Murder Capital - When I Have Fears Saxophonist and flutist Alan Braufman came up during the bustling 1970s free jazz scene of New York City. 45 years ago, along with an astounding band of musicians including Cooper Moore on piano, Braufman recorded Valley of Search, an exceptional record which saw the light of day with a 2018 reissue. Almost half-a-century later, Braufman returns with an equally epic and enthralling second LP, The Fire Still Burns. Throughout, heat scorches from these frenetic and utterly irresistible arrangements, particularly Home and No Floor, No Ceiling. ZH There aren’t many songwriters who can summon the spirits of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash whilst retaining their artistic individuality. Orville Peck, the Canadian country crooner, is one such enigma of our time. Show Pony follows his tremendous debut LP Pony, from 2019, which swept audiences away with its captivating broad arrangements. On this EP, Peck pulls in the reigns for a far more sedate offering. That is until Shania Twain makes an appearance! Yet another brilliant and accessible record from the masked cowboy. ZH Recorded within the walls of his Dublin home, Ev Carm’s sublime debut Awake captures the warmth and intimacy of his setting to create a record with instant familiarity. Carm’s subtle way of texturing and diversifying the instrumentation, from layered whispers to reverbed distortion, makes for a stirring collection of songs. There’s an impenetrable sense of solitude woven throughout, whether it’s in the overall tonal mood or song titles such as Alone and View From My Window. A truly beautiful and promising debut.. ZH Emperor of Ice Cream No Sound Ever Dies [Self Released] Good things come to those who wait. However, I can’t imagine Emperor of Ice Cream anticipated that it would be twenty-five years before their debut No Sound Ever Dies would be released. When bandmates are based between Cork and New York, it’s understandable how life can get in the way. For the most-part, this debut is a wonderful time-stamp of the sounds and sensibilities of late ‘90s-era indie with traces of Pavement on High Rise Low Rise. A nostalgic and comforting listen. ZH Alan Braufman The Fire Still Burns [Valley of Search] Orville Peck Show Pony EP [Sub Pop] Now Open 29 South Anne St, Dublin 2 Tel. 01 531 4491 56