Regan’s Affectations
The Volcanic Hallucination of
Night
Angela Macari O’Looney
This four track CD is just a sample from Shane Regan’s collection of songs. More of a lyricist than a singer, Shane tells a story in each piece, while he’s accompanied by beautiful musical arrangements.
Guitar and Vocals are performed by Shane, Lead Guitar-Paddy Lyons, Bass Guitar-Ken Murphy and Drums-Dennis Cassidy.
Also mentioned on the cover are collaborators Ray Beggan, Enda Reilly, Finghin MacCarthaigh and Noelle O’Sullivan.
Each song or piece is spoken, as opposed to being sung. This wouldn’t usually be something I’d enjoy. However, those excellent instrumentals throughout the entire CD make up for his non-singing, reciting style.
The first composition is the title track The Volcanic Hallucination of Night. A big drum roll and seductive intro on lead involving screaming notes take you into this rhapsody. Enter a beautiful trickling guitar riff and Shane who begins his crazy trip with reflections of some insoluble conundrum.
It changes tempo to a jazzy beat as he does a chorus. In between verse and chorus is a dramatic ascending phrase of notes that creates a sense of tumbling in a downward spiral. I love this.
Mother (I’m home) is done in a waltz or three four tempo. On an acoustic guitar some heavenly riffs and hooks add to the lovely melody line. It’s on the style of a love ballad and is quite romantic. Lyrics are enjoyable, as Shane tells his sad tale with interesting descriptions.
Bourg Madame begins with an elaborate Rock/Trad style intro involving superb guitar.
Throughout this composition are acoustic and electric guitar, performing what I would describe as a Celtic concerto, where one matches the other’s complex riffs with equally mind blowing fretwork.
Come on Ridiculous is a cynical narration, where Shane philosophises with some senseless rhyming that I can’t quite understand, but find amusing just the same. His backing vocalists add a little to his deep and critical jesting about life in general. The instrumentals are jazzy, bluesy and extremely moody.
On the front of the CD is a photograph of Shane, which reminds me of a young Joyce or Wilde. He’s reading a newspaper, which is on fire. Everything in the picture is black and white apart from the fire, which he doesn’t appear to notice as he reads. The other images on the cover art are just as non sensical and in a lot of ways reflect the slightly overcomplicated and quirky content.
I absolutely adore Shane and Paddy’s guitar playing on this short album. Dennis’s use of brushes on the sweeter Mother I’m home song are extremely effective. The musical input in general is wonderful and lift each piece, keeping them colourful and interesting.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Devil in Music
Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters
The Devil in Music
Angela Macari O’Looney
I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters playing live, but also had fun reviewing their EP Congress of Oddities, plus some of the singles released in the run up to this brilliant album. These were samples from the thoroughly captivating repertoire here on this CD. It somehow totally defines this band and you really get into their mood.
FJBH are unique, and their music encapsulates seductive riffs, sleazy melody lines, inspiring thoughts of smoke filled bar rooms, upright pianos, liquor soaked confessions and confidences under sepia lighting. Bluesy Rock beats and heady lead solos, added to Ronan Mitchell’s depth and flair as a vocalist, are evident throughout this fascinating collection of songs.
FJBH members are Ronan Mitchell (Vocals/Guitar/Piano/Melodica/Glockenspiel/Bass),
Morgan Nolan (Guitar/Vocals/Bass), Shane Serrano (Drums/Vocals/Clarinet/Sax/Percussion/Wooden Flute).
Little Black Marble opens up with haunting flute sounds, building up to a blasted out intro on bass, with guitars joining in and a powerful drumbeat creating the backdrop. Ronan sings the descriptive verse with his Limerick lilt, while Shane and Morgan add backing vocals. Complex guitar throughout, with superb in-sync riffs using bending notes and also wonderful trickling bits here and there, all lend atmosphere. I particularly like the high pitched ooh for the chorus in this song. There’s a huge crescendo of sound towards the end, eventually winding down.
Choppy chords take you into Strip the City, that tempo remaining throughout. It has a mysterious melody line, fab intricate guitar and a great chorus. Ronan entices with his deep vocals as he sings Come on over, come with me. Harmony is filtered in and is close. Chord combinations are delicious and the lead solo is twang laden and oozes exciting twists. My favourite feature is the elaborate riff for the chorus.
A wonderful piano intro for Wasteland Overture makes a refreshing change of pace. Moody minor notes and a bleak melody line are features of this number. The La da da refrain in the chorus has sing-along charm, and that acoustic piano is downright irresistible.
That Old Chestnut involves plucked guitar for the verse which is a particularly enjoyable feature. The use of minor chords and the greyish nature that’s the main style of FJBH is here. However, in the chorus they give way to some major chords and things lighten up a little. Harmony is effective and dynamic builds up as this song develops.
Throwing Shapes is a fast moving, choppy number where Ronan goes from a bassy lower octave right up and lets loose. Chorus is harmonic and chords are superb throughout. Drums are particularly energetic for this, with some amazing trickling lead guitar notes that have a strange disjointed quality. Added to this is the ever present busy bass line. Delicious!
Finger clicking and with lively bass throughout, Fight the Grey is a cool number with a strut style beat. Catchy harmonic oohs lend atmosphere, with a crazy solo on lead guitar featuring. Sax comes in later on, lifting things up to a cheerful crescendo.
With a laid back beat and some truly lovely guitar, Interlude is exactly what is says on the tin. A delicious melody is whistled and it’s a feel good, short piece, that wouldn’t be out of place in an advert. I’d like to hear more instrumentals like this from the lads.
Rock beat, distortion packed guitars, weird chords and a memorable chorus are the highlights of Hatch Sixteen. The bending notes done on lead are also excellent. It’s among the band’s best songs for certain and defines their sound.
Harmony is brilliant in Milkanoid and lead guitar superb. Energy packed rhythm throughout, an eerie slowdown that breaks it up, and more delectable lead guitar are the key features of this quirky number.
Keychain has a funky beat and creepy chord combinations that remind me of the theme from an Adams Family movie. Ronan’s slightly cynical style of telling the story in each song is captivating. He describes how he feels he’s being taken for granted by his girl; Lately, I’m a doll you drag through the ground, a plaything on your key chain weighing you down.. Chords and general mood are gloomy and make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck!
Guitars are outstanding throughout, with imaginative riffs that match the lyrics to perfection. There’s a complete stop, a kind of mock finish before the final blasting chorus.
Thread the Needle
You hear some wonderful guitar at the beginning of this number and it becomes yet another blues song, involving sliding guitar notes and awe inspiring lead. It’s tempo is laid back but rhythmic, with the harmonica adding to the scene which inspires grabbing your brandy bottle and taking a swig!
The in-sync chord intro to Running on fumes is full of life and lifts you up after the previous number. The tempo has a three four quality, with interesting alternations here and there. It’s a pleasant change melody wise. Ronan mentions bleary eyes, which we might have after the flagon of liquor and the few pints in the last song. Lead solo, along with the bass line are first class and those sliding chord combos are sweet!
The finale of this album is the soulful and hypnotic Darker Shade of Blue. Haunting, with trickling guitar notes throughout, this number showcases Ronan’s voice brilliantly. The melody line is complex, dreary, spine tingling and seems to wrap itself around you like a cool, slippery snake.
It suddenly explodes into life for the last chorus, to drop back and finish with plucked acoustic guitar notes.
All three members in FJBH participate in vocals and this lends to the overall sound greatly. And although they tend to stick to a certain lazy style of blues/rock, they are really creative. It’s not at all surprising that they have won the hearts of most critics and have attracted a large fan base across the land.
The album art for The Devil in Music is similar to the previous CDs. The cover depicts naked dancing ladies on a background floral brown and gold. I’m guessing it could be from the inlay of an upright piano. Inside the cover, you see the three lads, in an ancient bar room, enjoying a well earned pint!
The Devil in Music
Angela Macari O’Looney
I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters playing live, but also had fun reviewing their EP Congress of Oddities, plus some of the singles released in the run up to this brilliant album. These were samples from the thoroughly captivating repertoire here on this CD. It somehow totally defines this band and you really get into their mood.
FJBH are unique, and their music encapsulates seductive riffs, sleazy melody lines, inspiring thoughts of smoke filled bar rooms, upright pianos, liquor soaked confessions and confidences under sepia lighting. Bluesy Rock beats and heady lead solos, added to Ronan Mitchell’s depth and flair as a vocalist, are evident throughout this fascinating collection of songs.
FJBH members are Ronan Mitchell (Vocals/Guitar/Piano/Melodica/Glockenspiel/Bass),
Morgan Nolan (Guitar/Vocals/Bass), Shane Serrano (Drums/Vocals/Clarinet/Sax/Percussion/Wooden Flute).
Little Black Marble opens up with haunting flute sounds, building up to a blasted out intro on bass, with guitars joining in and a powerful drumbeat creating the backdrop. Ronan sings the descriptive verse with his Limerick lilt, while Shane and Morgan add backing vocals. Complex guitar throughout, with superb in-sync riffs using bending notes and also wonderful trickling bits here and there, all lend atmosphere. I particularly like the high pitched ooh for the chorus in this song. There’s a huge crescendo of sound towards the end, eventually winding down.
Choppy chords take you into Strip the City, that tempo remaining throughout. It has a mysterious melody line, fab intricate guitar and a great chorus. Ronan entices with his deep vocals as he sings Come on over, come with me. Harmony is filtered in and is close. Chord combinations are delicious and the lead solo is twang laden and oozes exciting twists. My favourite feature is the elaborate riff for the chorus.
A wonderful piano intro for Wasteland Overture makes a refreshing change of pace. Moody minor notes and a bleak melody line are features of this number. The La da da refrain in the chorus has sing-along charm, and that acoustic piano is downright irresistible.
That Old Chestnut involves plucked guitar for the verse which is a particularly enjoyable feature. The use of minor chords and the greyish nature that’s the main style of FJBH is here. However, in the chorus they give way to some major chords and things lighten up a little. Harmony is effective and dynamic builds up as this song develops.
Throwing Shapes is a fast moving, choppy number where Ronan goes from a bassy lower octave right up and lets loose. Chorus is harmonic and chords are superb throughout. Drums are particularly energetic for this, with some amazing trickling lead guitar notes that have a strange disjointed quality. Added to this is the ever present busy bass line. Delicious!
Finger clicking and with lively bass throughout, Fight the Grey is a cool number with a strut style beat. Catchy harmonic oohs lend atmosphere, with a crazy solo on lead guitar featuring. Sax comes in later on, lifting things up to a cheerful crescendo.
With a laid back beat and some truly lovely guitar, Interlude is exactly what is says on the tin. A delicious melody is whistled and it’s a feel good, short piece, that wouldn’t be out of place in an advert. I’d like to hear more instrumentals like this from the lads.
Rock beat, distortion packed guitars, weird chords and a memorable chorus are the highlights of Hatch Sixteen. The bending notes done on lead are also excellent. It’s among the band’s best songs for certain and defines their sound.
Harmony is brilliant in Milkanoid and lead guitar superb. Energy packed rhythm throughout, an eerie slowdown that breaks it up, and more delectable lead guitar are the key features of this quirky number.
Keychain has a funky beat and creepy chord combinations that remind me of the theme from an Adams Family movie. Ronan’s slightly cynical style of telling the story in each song is captivating. He describes how he feels he’s being taken for granted by his girl; Lately, I’m a doll you drag through the ground, a plaything on your key chain weighing you down.. Chords and general mood are gloomy and make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck!
Guitars are outstanding throughout, with imaginative riffs that match the lyrics to perfection. There’s a complete stop, a kind of mock finish before the final blasting chorus.
Thread the Needle
You hear some wonderful guitar at the beginning of this number and it becomes yet another blues song, involving sliding guitar notes and awe inspiring lead. It’s tempo is laid back but rhythmic, with the harmonica adding to the scene which inspires grabbing your brandy bottle and taking a swig!
The in-sync chord intro to Running on fumes is full of life and lifts you up after the previous number. The tempo has a three four quality, with interesting alternations here and there. It’s a pleasant change melody wise. Ronan mentions bleary eyes, which we might have after the flagon of liquor and the few pints in the last song. Lead solo, along with the bass line are first class and those sliding chord combos are sweet!
The finale of this album is the soulful and hypnotic Darker Shade of Blue. Haunting, with trickling guitar notes throughout, this number showcases Ronan’s voice brilliantly. The melody line is complex, dreary, spine tingling and seems to wrap itself around you like a cool, slippery snake.
It suddenly explodes into life for the last chorus, to drop back and finish with plucked acoustic guitar notes.
All three members in FJBH participate in vocals and this lends to the overall sound greatly. And although they tend to stick to a certain lazy style of blues/rock, they are really creative. It’s not at all surprising that they have won the hearts of most critics and have attracted a large fan base across the land.
The album art for The Devil in Music is similar to the previous CDs. The cover depicts naked dancing ladies on a background floral brown and gold. I’m guessing it could be from the inlay of an upright piano. Inside the cover, you see the three lads, in an ancient bar room, enjoying a well earned pint!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Taking a break
I can never actually say I'm taking a break. I never do!
However, certain things in my life simply have to take priority over all else. One such thing would be my son and his affairs i.e Health, Education, Hobbies and Sports activities.
When you have a six year old, they need their Ma to be at most of the important moments. It might be his/her football match/Dancing competition, or perhaps a tooth cavity that requires attention. Whatever the case, we Mums are the only company that will do!
Over the past few weeks, I seem to have been unbelievably pre-occupied with Football, dentists, doctors and my son's little extra bits and pieces. Also, I decided to give extra time to any seriously outstanding housework, decorating and whatnot.
Another important distraction from my usual activities, was the Pitch and Putt weekend that has become an annual favorite of mine. It involves my job P & P Club.
For about fifteen years or so, I have partaken in this wonderful and satisfying game. I've met some great characters, played some amazing P & P games and tried a variety of courses.
I somehow believed that the health benefits and fun were all that I needed to feel that my committment to the sport was paying off.
It wasn't until I won my first twenty five euro, that I realised it could be a bit more attractive.
Well, this year on my club outing to Killarney, I found out that the rainy moments, rotten score cards, narky opposition and personal struggles with getting it right could actually pay off big time!
Without understanding exactly what it was I was doing right, I took home the most superior trophy available in my club. We went to Killarney for three days, two nights and it involved three different games.
I have lots of memories of weekends there, all happy. But I will never forget the warm, wonderful feeling that receiving the BIG one gave me.
It's a silver cup, with names of previous club winners engraved on it.
It's quite tall, almost two foot high.
I can honestly say, I don't believe myself to be a brilliant golfer. I do, however know, that patience pays off. I held the highest handicap my club gives in all the years I've played, because I am not very competitive.
I love fresh air, excercise, a chat and a cold drink to celebrate a good match. Winning? If it comes my way, it's nice.
What went right for me that day was that I played against a superior player, who had a hangover and just requested silence throughout the game. Anyone who knows me knows I can't stop talking. But in this case, I held my tongue, pitched my ball with gusto and marvelled in my surroundings. Killarney's mountain views and the beautiful Gleneagles grounds, including the P&P course are splendid.
My companion shook my hand at the end of the match and even though the rest of the club were comparing their scores light heartedly, he whispered that I had the best score by far.
It wasn't till I sat at home, regarding this lovely relic of our club, when it sunk in. I was the winner, for one of the very first times in my life.
I'm sure I won things before. Plaques for ballroom dancing, medals for Irish dancing, even tallent competitions. But this was a precious and unforgettable experience.
So this has been one of my pre occupations in the last couple of weeks, along with some other necessary committments. Not excuses!
Life and it's variations can sometimes take over and tell you, "Time for a break baby"!
However, certain things in my life simply have to take priority over all else. One such thing would be my son and his affairs i.e Health, Education, Hobbies and Sports activities.
When you have a six year old, they need their Ma to be at most of the important moments. It might be his/her football match/Dancing competition, or perhaps a tooth cavity that requires attention. Whatever the case, we Mums are the only company that will do!
Over the past few weeks, I seem to have been unbelievably pre-occupied with Football, dentists, doctors and my son's little extra bits and pieces. Also, I decided to give extra time to any seriously outstanding housework, decorating and whatnot.
Another important distraction from my usual activities, was the Pitch and Putt weekend that has become an annual favorite of mine. It involves my job P & P Club.
For about fifteen years or so, I have partaken in this wonderful and satisfying game. I've met some great characters, played some amazing P & P games and tried a variety of courses.
I somehow believed that the health benefits and fun were all that I needed to feel that my committment to the sport was paying off.
It wasn't until I won my first twenty five euro, that I realised it could be a bit more attractive.
Well, this year on my club outing to Killarney, I found out that the rainy moments, rotten score cards, narky opposition and personal struggles with getting it right could actually pay off big time!
Without understanding exactly what it was I was doing right, I took home the most superior trophy available in my club. We went to Killarney for three days, two nights and it involved three different games.
I have lots of memories of weekends there, all happy. But I will never forget the warm, wonderful feeling that receiving the BIG one gave me.
It's a silver cup, with names of previous club winners engraved on it.
It's quite tall, almost two foot high.
I can honestly say, I don't believe myself to be a brilliant golfer. I do, however know, that patience pays off. I held the highest handicap my club gives in all the years I've played, because I am not very competitive.
I love fresh air, excercise, a chat and a cold drink to celebrate a good match. Winning? If it comes my way, it's nice.
What went right for me that day was that I played against a superior player, who had a hangover and just requested silence throughout the game. Anyone who knows me knows I can't stop talking. But in this case, I held my tongue, pitched my ball with gusto and marvelled in my surroundings. Killarney's mountain views and the beautiful Gleneagles grounds, including the P&P course are splendid.
My companion shook my hand at the end of the match and even though the rest of the club were comparing their scores light heartedly, he whispered that I had the best score by far.
It wasn't till I sat at home, regarding this lovely relic of our club, when it sunk in. I was the winner, for one of the very first times in my life.
I'm sure I won things before. Plaques for ballroom dancing, medals for Irish dancing, even tallent competitions. But this was a precious and unforgettable experience.
So this has been one of my pre occupations in the last couple of weeks, along with some other necessary committments. Not excuses!
Life and it's variations can sometimes take over and tell you, "Time for a break baby"!
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