Sixteen Layers

Sixteen Layers

I am no one

Angela Macari O’Looney

Alterative Rock band Sixteen Layers have just returned from a successful trip to Canada, where they partook in the coveted Indie Week festival.

It’s not surprising to hear they received rave reviews and encores for their performances at venues such as ‘The Hideout’ and ‘The Bovine Sex Club’ in Toronto.

This well blended group of musicians fronted by the excellent rock voice of Niall Donnelly, seem to be taking the world by storm and have secured a distribution with Sunrise Records in Toronto, proving they not only enjoyed their trip but didn’t come back empty handed. Can it get any better than this?

I have only listened to this album a couple of times, but already I’ve picked out my favourite numbers, which wasn’t easy since each track involves memorable guitars, sweet vocals and an appealing melody line.

Sixteen Layer’s influences include the best of the best rock bands such as Soundgarden, Queens of The Stoneage, Pearl Jam, The Beatles, Nine Inch Nails, Interpol, Thin Lizzy and AC/DC, to name but a few.

Band members are Niall Donnelly vox/Guitar, Dom Muldoon Lead Guitar, John Colbert Bass/ Vox/ Keys and Tim McGrath Drums/Percussion.

Two of the eleven tracks have already been released as a double A sided single; Exile/Into the Sun.

No Strings

Trickling guitar notes, followed by a sliding twin riff involving one guitar playing harmony, take you into this lovely number that is the opening track.
The chorus is particularly memorable, where vocals are done by Donnelly and Colbert, one in a higher octave and the other in a lower. I love this as it emphasises the emotion.
Powerful drums, bass and guitars plus that hauntingly beautiful opening riff complete this awe inspiring song.

I am No One

The title track is an effective combination of percussion and fast moving rhythm, distortion packed guitars, a superb baseline and a totally delicious chorus!

A well placed keychange lifts this whole number and seems to give it more impact on the listener and in the chorus the refrain of I am no one is sung behind the lead voice as he sings Say your name and stake your claim. Things will never be the same.
The Lizzyesque style twin guitar break is a delight, where the pace alters and then returns to the original beat for the last chorus, which leads to an explosive screaming finale.

Into the Sun

There’s a sustained guitar note at the outset of this track followed by a bass intro, which in turn is followed by a sensational in sync riff that is so catchy, it makes it by far my favourite piece on the album.

There’s a U2 quality to this song with memorable hooks throughout, close harmony to die for and a melody line which for me has the makings of a true classic!

This exciting and fast moving number has just about every thing a rock song should, with Niall and John going into falsetto in the chorus for the oohs. A short but fab lead break captures your attention!

Middle eight is sung and alters to a choppier pace for Niall’s powerful delivery of the line; Catch yourself again. I hope you didn’t find yourself alone.

The singability of the chorus in Don’t let it die appeals to me. Busy bass throughout this explosive number is outstanding, plus yet another blast of in sync guitars. This would be leaning towards heavier rock bands such as AC/DC or Nine Inch Nails.
Head banging air guitar music at its best!
I get the impression by how alive and well blended the guys are here, that this is one of their own favourites. It’s definitely my second favourite song.

A slower song, but a great showcase for all instruments and Niall’s adaptable vocals is track five; Exile.
A plucked acoustic intro and a beat take you into the verse which is softly sung, piano accompaniment adding to the easy mood. Harmony comes in at just the right spot.
Here, electric guitars get to shine as they perform a gorgeous instrumental.
The sentiment in the lyrics is philosophical and very poignant; I don’t need oxygen to breathe. I have everything that I need. Thanks but no thanks I will swim in my own stream.

Eight miles down

This is a dramatic composition made for performing to a big crowd at an open air concert. Chord combinations, melody line and harmonies are really catchy.
As this album progresses the songs get richer and each track is like a new experience after the last. This particular song is guaranteed to get the thumbs up from anyone who hears it.

Hurt Me

Trickling guitars begin this sad love song, with two voices harmonizing. It builds up and becomes quite dynamic for the last chorus, which is performed with passion.

Torch, Trouble Spot, Former You and Sit a while are the remaining tracks. All have excellent melodies, delicious lyrics and exhilarating lead bits. I love the craziness of Trouble Spot, which is in a three four tempo and involves flanger in the lead solo. Superbly performed, this has plenty of thundering drum rolls to add to the atmosphere.


Former You has some intricate guitar and a beautiful melody. It’s yet another song that haunts you and you find yourself singing the chorus. Lyrics tell of how changed a person can become and are sorrowful; Struck by how you sound tonight, like somebody else somebody new. I think that I prefer the former you.

Sit a While begins as an acoustic number where Niall’s vocals are amazing.
His range is really something!
This last wonderful track takes off and suddenly a full orchestra joins in for the chorus, while the simple trickling acoustic guitar continues. It’s like a winding down after the faster stuff earlier and brings everything to a soft, sleepy close!

The band produced and mixed most of these songs at their own studio in James’ St. Dublin, but also had a little help from Andy Colbert at Grouse Lodge Studios.
I enjoy the way Sixteen Layers can take no nonsense heavy rock and put such sweet melodies with it.

The album art is a fingerprint and the words Sixteen Layers in Bold white letters on a black background. This to me is a message that they have their very own unique and original style, which only holds traces of their influences. They certainly leave no holds barred when it comes to musical arrangements, plus well written songs which give each band member a chance to shine. Hearing this CD has given me a taste to go and see Sixteen Layers perform live and it will take pride of place in my collection.