The Goo 1
Reviews Albums distinctive addition to Ireland's
burgeoning freak folk canon. Cormorant Tree Oh - Moonish Having graced stages with Lankum, Lifts and Lisa Hannigan, as well as being our handpicked support for the mighty Andy The Doorbum in April of this year, Mary Keane's curious creation has proven itself compelling across a range of atmospheres, and this is she so effortlessly conjures her own.. ‘Terror of the Countryside’ opens this strange and beautiful record with a whirl of balalaika, percussion and synthesizer, with Keane's haunting voice layered bringing to mind Linda Perchacs with a penchant for witchy novels. Theremins and synths warble, gramophone like and pleasing. Jazzy inflections run through the ethereal vocal work, shades of Kate Bush and and all manner of tricks have been pulled from the curio cabinet. I think of old gramophone records at some points, and that strange room in Twin Peaks that has Samson from ‘Carnivàle’ in it, one of the greatest shows never finished that many cuts from this album (such as ‘Tied and Grinded’) could have soundtracked. With an attractive blue vinyl through the excellent Trapped Animal records to commemorate this strange and beautiful release, that expands on and refines the excellent freak folk stylings from Cormorant Tree Oh’s ‘Swoontide’ debut. A wonderful live act and an excellent and PAGE 16 stunning album is that it will make people aware of the treasure trove that is Daniel Johnston’s back catalogue, all of which is vital listening for anyone interested in popular music. Johnston wore his heart on his sleeve like no other. Jerry Fish and May Kay have succeeded with style in capturing his genius. Jerry Fish (featuring May Kay) - Dreaming of Daniel - Alan Monnelly To honour a collection of songs, in particular, songs by a special and vital counterculture artist like Daniel Johnston in the right way, there are a number of attributes that the artists taking on that honour and challenge need to have. The first is sensitivity, they need to put themselves in the shoes of the creator so they can get a sense of where these songs originate and how they develop, where do they fit into the emotional timeline of the artist and just what is the song trying to communicate. Jerry Fish steps into the role that Johnston did so naturally. As the cartographer of the heart, his delivery of these highly emotive songs is more vocally consistent than the tentative originals but the beauty and effervescence of Johnston’s lyrics shines in every perfect song. May Kay proves again that she is an artist of giftedness and her version of ‘Some things last a long time’ along with Jerry Fish is a breathtaking showstopper such is its poignant delivery of one of Johnston’s most erudite songs. One of the great potentials of this Ecce Homo - Gavin Friday - Alan Monnelly Ecce Homo by Gavin Friday is a complex collection of soul-searching songs. Friday’s songwriting has never been as raw and all the protective walls and mechanisms are down, removed, and the strength that is left standing is both compelling and commanding. Truth bringing freedom with added electro beats mixes retrospective European dance blueprints and a cohesive collage of backing vocals take these songs to depths and dimensions unknown. The 80’s sound is comforting and props up the intuitive and incisive lyrical content. Friday’s bombast singes with outward and inward diatribes and all the while the multiinstrumental production builds layers of shimmering sound. Confrontational songs are interspersed with reflections on mortality and the steadying power of love. ‘The Church of Love’ could be the axis of this album of excellence and a beautiful balance of tone, questioning rhythms, and