My Voice
Donna Marie
Angela Macari O’Looney
Donna Marie has been performing since she was eleven years of age, when she did her first gig on bass after a four hour lesson from her mother.
Having a distinctive vocal style, she has been involved in music since schooldays.
Her star continued to rise, when she worked with legendary band Breeze Junkie/ Breeze 52. Donna appeared as a solo artist on R.T.E.’s ‘All Ireland talent show’ in 2009, reaching fifth place in the final.
She composed a song especially for Madeline McCann, who went missing and has never been found. Little Angel raised enormous funds and addressed the issue of child abduction, which was a huge step for the cause.
From Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Donna Marie has a unique voice, which leaves you tapping your feet for the upbeat songs, or listening with reverence for the slower, emotional numbers. Either way, this lovely collection is a treasure worth having. Described as Alt/ Country/ Pop, her music is all of the above and more!
Alanis is the first track and has a choppy beat, with trickling electric guitar riffs in the verse and a seductive feel to it. Subtle key changes add to its charm and the chorus is really catchy, with backing vocals filling it up brilliantly. A sax solo comes in for the middle eight.
Little Angel
This song would break a heart with its lyrics, sweet harmony and Donna’s delivery of the touching story about a little girl (Madeline) who is out there somewhere, while the world searches for her.
Mummy’s angel spread your wings and fly back home.
An electric guitar intro takes us into Problem for you. This is a great number with a cheerful pop beat. The chorus is memorable and instrumentals are excellent, with great input on guitar and keyboards. Kieran Wilde performs brass later in the track.
A fast rock n roll song, Confidence Man is fab, where the sexier side of Donna’s vocals feature. Some wonderful distortion laden guitar riffs lend attitude, with flanger used in parts also.
Simple song
This is a fun number, where Donna plays acoustic guitar. I hear a banjo,a punchy bass line and in general the whole song has humour, a truly catchy melody line and definitely one to dance around with. For the last chorus I hear a delicious input on liquorice stick (Clarinet). Probably one of the best songs on this album!
Hush has a big intro, with electric guitar, brass and piano. With wonderful melody line it is a truly appealing love song! It could also be sung by a doting parent to his/her little girl.
Donna’s delivery is magical here. Roberta Howett performs harmony which is sweet and excellently placed.
My Voice
The title track from the album, this has a foot tapping beat, with a dramatic and catchy chorus. Guitar riffs throughout add atmosphere. Backing vocals join in for the chorus later in the song, with choppy flange laden guitar chords enhancing the mood.
Piece of My Heart
Donna performs this cover with panache. It’s a challenging but fabulous song, written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns and was performed by Emma Franklin, Janis Joplin, Faith Hill and Melissa Etheridge. Harmony is delightful on this track.
Bringing the beat up a little, I can see it is a gutsy number. The chorus is delicious, with fab input from the band. Guitars are superb.
Chrissie Hynde’s Brass in Pocket is a lovely choice for Donna’s distinctive and seductive vocals. Fiachra Trench performs on Piano and Hammond for this track.
The final song on My Voice is the popular Etta James standard At Last. The soulful number involves Hammond organ, Acoustic piano, trickling guitar and gentle percussion. Donna’s delivery here is original and extremely charming.
Musicians on this excellent collection include Aongus Ralston – Bass, Johnny Boyle – Drums, Gavin Ralston – Hammond and Piano, Roberta Howett – Backing Vocals and additional instrumentation is performed by Kieran Wilde- Brass, James Delaney – Wurlitzer/ Hammond, Sean Ralston – Acoustic Guitar, Gavin Ralston – Banjo/ Mandolin, Fiachra Trench-Piano/ Hammond Organ.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Cfit Triage review
Cfit
Triage
Angela Macari O’Looney
Melodic and thoroughly enjoyable, this album involves intricate and exciting arrangements. Vocals are soothing and electronic instrumentals, mixed with acoustic are the perfect backdrop. Noel Duplaa, Grainne Dunne, Shane DeLier, Grainne McFeely, John Singleton and Phil Staunton are CFit. Additional vocals on this album are performed by David Cantan and Jennifer Roche.
You get a good variety throughout the entire CD, with some fantastic experimental numbers involved. Influences include such bands as Arcade Fire, Radiohead, The Frames. Lead vocals are extremely reminiscent of Neil Hannon’s moody depth in my opinion, or Thom York’s laid back appeal. The lighter female vocal alongside Noel’s style, creates a lovely contrast.
The opening song Great Pressure has a catchy chorus starting with the use of synthesized Vocals creating great volume, building up to a sudden explosion of sound. Dynamics continue to change throughout, going from softer acoustic verse, to explosive chorus. I like the way the band keep you guessing here!
Don’t Sweat the small shit is sung by Noel and Jennifer. I love the riff on Glockenspiel combined with sweet three part harmony that runs throughout this number. The melody is relaxing and reflects the sentiment in the lyrics. The entire piece is uplifting.
The Static is a lively, loud number opening up with busy bass guitar and weird verses that lend a Bowie atmosphere at times. The refrain in the background of the chorus is haunting and there’s a lot going on throughout the song. Lyrics were written by Noel Duplaa and David Cantan. Harmonics are incredible.
Surprisingly, a banjo intro takes us into Sideways. I get the feeling it’s meant to inspire a scene of someone a little intoxicated. At least that’s what the slinky pace and weary violin make me think of. Although there is quite an unexpected build up in dynamic, just before the close of the piece. I love this wonderful Pandora’s Box of surprises that are constant on this CD.
Base Isolation –There’s a soothing plucked acoustic guitar intro here and a relaxed beat, eventually developing into a more powerful chorus. A beautiful female refrain are you asking me for shelter, lends contrast to the lead male vocal. Noel’s delivery of the dramatic song, composed by himself and David Cantan, is really effective it breaks my heart, it breaks my heart.
Chemical memory is extremely short and is an instrumental done on synth. It’s very appealing and has a choppy, cheerful beat.
Dig up - This track, by Noel Duplaa and Gary Donald has a lot going on in it. It starts off slow and soulful, with backing vocals singing a catchy refrain. A change of pace occurs. Instrumentals are wonderful, with a brilliant bass line coming in later in the song, when it reaches crescendo.
Throw the babies to the Wolves a ballad, involves acoustic piano for the introductory verse. Cello joins in, when things build up. Guitar, Synth and drums also join, to create a distinctive reminder that there’s a kick to this song!
Beginning with beautiful Cello, Plausible Deniability is probably my favorite number. Involving trickling notation throughout and a memorable chorus, it builds up and backing vocals lend volume. Bass is wonderful. The huge plethora of instruments leaves you dizzy with wonder. Eventually you get an enormous explosion of sound, turning back to quiet sleepiness for the last few bars. Magical!
Don’t Sweat the smaller shit begins with acoustic piano as opposed to the earlier version, which began with electric. A trickling keyboard riff joins in. A wonderfully appealing melody is played on synth. Orchestral sounds follow this, and as in most of their songs, Cfit develop things upwards, to bring it all back down for the verse, where you go back to just vocals with piano.
Triage is hopefully the first of many. The band, which began as a trio, has gradually increased in number. They are currently working on their next album, which should prove easily as impressive as Triage.
Triage
Angela Macari O’Looney
Melodic and thoroughly enjoyable, this album involves intricate and exciting arrangements. Vocals are soothing and electronic instrumentals, mixed with acoustic are the perfect backdrop. Noel Duplaa, Grainne Dunne, Shane DeLier, Grainne McFeely, John Singleton and Phil Staunton are CFit. Additional vocals on this album are performed by David Cantan and Jennifer Roche.
You get a good variety throughout the entire CD, with some fantastic experimental numbers involved. Influences include such bands as Arcade Fire, Radiohead, The Frames. Lead vocals are extremely reminiscent of Neil Hannon’s moody depth in my opinion, or Thom York’s laid back appeal. The lighter female vocal alongside Noel’s style, creates a lovely contrast.
The opening song Great Pressure has a catchy chorus starting with the use of synthesized Vocals creating great volume, building up to a sudden explosion of sound. Dynamics continue to change throughout, going from softer acoustic verse, to explosive chorus. I like the way the band keep you guessing here!
Don’t Sweat the small shit is sung by Noel and Jennifer. I love the riff on Glockenspiel combined with sweet three part harmony that runs throughout this number. The melody is relaxing and reflects the sentiment in the lyrics. The entire piece is uplifting.
The Static is a lively, loud number opening up with busy bass guitar and weird verses that lend a Bowie atmosphere at times. The refrain in the background of the chorus is haunting and there’s a lot going on throughout the song. Lyrics were written by Noel Duplaa and David Cantan. Harmonics are incredible.
Surprisingly, a banjo intro takes us into Sideways. I get the feeling it’s meant to inspire a scene of someone a little intoxicated. At least that’s what the slinky pace and weary violin make me think of. Although there is quite an unexpected build up in dynamic, just before the close of the piece. I love this wonderful Pandora’s Box of surprises that are constant on this CD.
Base Isolation –There’s a soothing plucked acoustic guitar intro here and a relaxed beat, eventually developing into a more powerful chorus. A beautiful female refrain are you asking me for shelter, lends contrast to the lead male vocal. Noel’s delivery of the dramatic song, composed by himself and David Cantan, is really effective it breaks my heart, it breaks my heart.
Chemical memory is extremely short and is an instrumental done on synth. It’s very appealing and has a choppy, cheerful beat.
Dig up - This track, by Noel Duplaa and Gary Donald has a lot going on in it. It starts off slow and soulful, with backing vocals singing a catchy refrain. A change of pace occurs. Instrumentals are wonderful, with a brilliant bass line coming in later in the song, when it reaches crescendo.
Throw the babies to the Wolves a ballad, involves acoustic piano for the introductory verse. Cello joins in, when things build up. Guitar, Synth and drums also join, to create a distinctive reminder that there’s a kick to this song!
Beginning with beautiful Cello, Plausible Deniability is probably my favorite number. Involving trickling notation throughout and a memorable chorus, it builds up and backing vocals lend volume. Bass is wonderful. The huge plethora of instruments leaves you dizzy with wonder. Eventually you get an enormous explosion of sound, turning back to quiet sleepiness for the last few bars. Magical!
Don’t Sweat the smaller shit begins with acoustic piano as opposed to the earlier version, which began with electric. A trickling keyboard riff joins in. A wonderfully appealing melody is played on synth. Orchestral sounds follow this, and as in most of their songs, Cfit develop things upwards, to bring it all back down for the verse, where you go back to just vocals with piano.
Triage is hopefully the first of many. The band, which began as a trio, has gradually increased in number. They are currently working on their next album, which should prove easily as impressive as Triage.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
The Jigsaw Jam
There was a time
The Jigsaw Jam
Angela Macari O’Looney
Dublin Folk/Trad/Country band The Jigsaw Jam have recently finished this enjoyable EP. It’s a soothing combination of styles, with well blended vocals throughout each track.
Band members are Shane Davis – Vocals/Guitar, Grainne Noone – Fiddle/ Ukelele, Caroline O’Sullivan – Piano, Brenda Weir – Vocals/ Low Whistle and Aidan Smyth-Bass/Mandolin.
With a gently trickling acoustic guitar intro, Rosalee is performed by both Brenda and Shane, with sweet harmony lending volume. It begins slow but speeds up, with piano and fiddle gradually joining to build up to a pleasant crescendo of sound! Catchy riffs and hooks are excellent on both keys and strings in this upbeat number which is truly captivating.
Rosebush is another wonderfully fast moving song. In the chorus, Brenda’s backing harmony echoes each line Shane sings. They blend their vocals for a catchy refrain. Caroline’s piano features with big chords and wonderful riffs throughout the entire song, as do Grainne’s on fiddle. There’s a hustle and bustle feel to this number and the happy reel that brings it together is so cheerful, reflecting the lyrics; I own a Rose, I own an apple tree, I own a Rose, neat trimmed when it needs to be. It addresses how when the pressure is on, there are always things you can make happen, by just doing small tasks; Don’t you hate when people criticise, when your just livin’ from one day to the next? Aidan’s bass line frames this and each track beautifully. He also features on this number playing mandolin.
Those days is a softly sung number, with superb instrumental input. Bass lends depth to the scene, and memorable riffs and hooks on fiddle and acoustic guitar add to the mood.
Bedroom Light is a fun song and is done in duet style, reminding me a little of the type of songs The Beautiful South often produced. Light female vocals are offset perfectly by the deeper male tones and with the catchy melody line, you have a delicious combination! It’s a love song, but with a humorous twist. There’s a fab choppy beat to it. Caroline’s Piano solo is very appealing and guitars and Ukulele also give it the perfect backdrop!
My favourite number on this EP has to be Winter Bones. It’s a three four country waltz, with a delightfully soothing melody line and mood. Brenda Weir features on this track both singing harmony and also on Low Whistle. Fiddle is magical, as are the trickling piano riffs. Harmony is close for the chorus, as Shane’s delivery is emotional and the romantic lyrics gently unfurl. I picture a cottage, candle light throwing flickering shapes on the window pane and when you look in, a couple are dancing. Dance with me tonight/ Flicker on, flicker on like a train at night.
The Jigsaw Jam got together in 2011, with their number gradually increasing until they found the sound they wanted. The result is refreshing and exciting. They have had great success to date with promoting their EP, having had airplay on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast show, RTE’s 2XM in colour show, and recently the band were interviewed on Radio na Life and Shannonside FM.
Angela Macari O’Looney
Dublin Folk/Trad/Country band The Jigsaw Jam have recently finished this enjoyable EP. It’s a soothing combination of styles, with well blended vocals throughout each track.
Band members are Shane Davis – Vocals/Guitar, Grainne Noone – Fiddle/ Ukelele, Caroline O’Sullivan – Piano, Brenda Weir – Vocals/ Low Whistle and Aidan Smyth-Bass/Mandolin.
With a gently trickling acoustic guitar intro, Rosalee is performed by both Brenda and Shane, with sweet harmony lending volume. It begins slow but speeds up, with piano and fiddle gradually joining to build up to a pleasant crescendo of sound! Catchy riffs and hooks are excellent on both keys and strings in this upbeat number which is truly captivating.
Rosebush is another wonderfully fast moving song. In the chorus, Brenda’s backing harmony echoes each line Shane sings. They blend their vocals for a catchy refrain. Caroline’s piano features with big chords and wonderful riffs throughout the entire song, as do Grainne’s on fiddle. There’s a hustle and bustle feel to this number and the happy reel that brings it together is so cheerful, reflecting the lyrics; I own a Rose, I own an apple tree, I own a Rose, neat trimmed when it needs to be. It addresses how when the pressure is on, there are always things you can make happen, by just doing small tasks; Don’t you hate when people criticise, when your just livin’ from one day to the next? Aidan’s bass line frames this and each track beautifully. He also features on this number playing mandolin.
Those days is a softly sung number, with superb instrumental input. Bass lends depth to the scene, and memorable riffs and hooks on fiddle and acoustic guitar add to the mood.
Bedroom Light is a fun song and is done in duet style, reminding me a little of the type of songs The Beautiful South often produced. Light female vocals are offset perfectly by the deeper male tones and with the catchy melody line, you have a delicious combination! It’s a love song, but with a humorous twist. There’s a fab choppy beat to it. Caroline’s Piano solo is very appealing and guitars and Ukulele also give it the perfect backdrop!
My favourite number on this EP has to be Winter Bones. It’s a three four country waltz, with a delightfully soothing melody line and mood. Brenda Weir features on this track both singing harmony and also on Low Whistle. Fiddle is magical, as are the trickling piano riffs. Harmony is close for the chorus, as Shane’s delivery is emotional and the romantic lyrics gently unfurl. I picture a cottage, candle light throwing flickering shapes on the window pane and when you look in, a couple are dancing. Dance with me tonight/ Flicker on, flicker on like a train at night.
The Jigsaw Jam got together in 2011, with their number gradually increasing until they found the sound they wanted. The result is refreshing and exciting. They have had great success to date with promoting their EP, having had airplay on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast show, RTE’s 2XM in colour show, and recently the band were interviewed on Radio na Life and Shannonside FM.
Pink Balloons
Pink Balloons
By Angela Macari O’Looney
There is nothing as encouraging to make me get out and walk five kilometres on an autumn morning, as a cheerful group of People, the majority being women, gathered together for a common cause.
I arrived at the Pheonix Park having been driven there by my husband, and after ten to fifteen minutes walking along an enormous avenue, realised I must be going the wrong way.
A car stopped and a woman opened the window to ask did I know where the Marie Keating foundation Walk 4 Life event was taking place. I explained I was going there too, but was told it was only fifteen minutes from the Park Gates.
She asked would I like a lift, so I jumped into the already crowded Micra and we headed on.
Not much further, we discovered where all the action was. I was in plenty of time to register for my t-shirt. Joining a queue, I noticed everyone holding pink balloons and asked what they were for. A gentleman handing them out told me you took a balloon, wrote a name or names of loved ones who had died or were affected by Cancer, to be later released into the air in a gesture to honour their memory.
I put my t-shirt over the top I was wearing and wrote my sisters name ‘Rose’on the pink balloon. She is only one of many people I knew who lost the fight, however, I felt it to be a lovely idea that when the walk was declared officially open by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, we each had to do a count down and then let the balloons go.
My favourite radio station Q102 was there to mark the event and play lots of upbeat music. Also, The Lucan Gospel Choir performed some amazing songs from their repertoire to get the Walk 4 Life into full swing.
There was a fantastic buzz in the air and it was fun observing the vast variety of people, who were there to walk the 5k. This included families, groups of women, girls on their own like me and even the odd person walking their mutt, who was also dressed in his/her Walk for Life outfit! Balloons hung from buggies with babies in them and I just loved being there and being a part of it all!
A little after 10.30a.m., the Lord Mayor blew on a hunt style horn and there was a countdown of five, four, three, two one. We all let go our balloons and just like in the 99 Red Balloon song, hundreds of Pink balloons rose up into the Grey blue Dublin sky, like a mass of pink angels, disappearing over the tops of the trees. We set off from the start point and I felt a tiny pull on my heart strings as I watched my balloon fade with the others. Although I had come to the event alone, I found myself chatting with other people throughout the morning.
The beautiful scenery took my breath away and I felt alive. It got a little difficult after the second kilometre. However, water was available at stations along the route and it wasn’t long before the finish came into sight and with it, the sound of Q102 playing suitable music for a celebration.
I asked a girl from the radio station if I could get Rose’s favourite song played later that day. Usually they don’t take requests from their on-location kiosks. However, she asked me to write the details and she’d see what she could do.
I asked for my late sister’s favourite song which is Anne Murray’s ‘You needed me’. She promised it would be played after 1p.m. that afternoon.
It was a nice finale to a brilliant morning, and I got a goody bag full of Go Ahead biscuits and other treats from the sponsors of the Walk 4 Life.
It was my first time taking part, but definitely won’t be my last!
By Angela Macari O’Looney
There is nothing as encouraging to make me get out and walk five kilometres on an autumn morning, as a cheerful group of People, the majority being women, gathered together for a common cause.
I arrived at the Pheonix Park having been driven there by my husband, and after ten to fifteen minutes walking along an enormous avenue, realised I must be going the wrong way.
A car stopped and a woman opened the window to ask did I know where the Marie Keating foundation Walk 4 Life event was taking place. I explained I was going there too, but was told it was only fifteen minutes from the Park Gates.
She asked would I like a lift, so I jumped into the already crowded Micra and we headed on.
Not much further, we discovered where all the action was. I was in plenty of time to register for my t-shirt. Joining a queue, I noticed everyone holding pink balloons and asked what they were for. A gentleman handing them out told me you took a balloon, wrote a name or names of loved ones who had died or were affected by Cancer, to be later released into the air in a gesture to honour their memory.
I put my t-shirt over the top I was wearing and wrote my sisters name ‘Rose’on the pink balloon. She is only one of many people I knew who lost the fight, however, I felt it to be a lovely idea that when the walk was declared officially open by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, we each had to do a count down and then let the balloons go.
My favourite radio station Q102 was there to mark the event and play lots of upbeat music. Also, The Lucan Gospel Choir performed some amazing songs from their repertoire to get the Walk 4 Life into full swing.
There was a fantastic buzz in the air and it was fun observing the vast variety of people, who were there to walk the 5k. This included families, groups of women, girls on their own like me and even the odd person walking their mutt, who was also dressed in his/her Walk for Life outfit! Balloons hung from buggies with babies in them and I just loved being there and being a part of it all!
A little after 10.30a.m., the Lord Mayor blew on a hunt style horn and there was a countdown of five, four, three, two one. We all let go our balloons and just like in the 99 Red Balloon song, hundreds of Pink balloons rose up into the Grey blue Dublin sky, like a mass of pink angels, disappearing over the tops of the trees. We set off from the start point and I felt a tiny pull on my heart strings as I watched my balloon fade with the others. Although I had come to the event alone, I found myself chatting with other people throughout the morning.
The beautiful scenery took my breath away and I felt alive. It got a little difficult after the second kilometre. However, water was available at stations along the route and it wasn’t long before the finish came into sight and with it, the sound of Q102 playing suitable music for a celebration.
I asked a girl from the radio station if I could get Rose’s favourite song played later that day. Usually they don’t take requests from their on-location kiosks. However, she asked me to write the details and she’d see what she could do.
I asked for my late sister’s favourite song which is Anne Murray’s ‘You needed me’. She promised it would be played after 1p.m. that afternoon.
It was a nice finale to a brilliant morning, and I got a goody bag full of Go Ahead biscuits and other treats from the sponsors of the Walk 4 Life.
It was my first time taking part, but definitely won’t be my last!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Dream Aria
Dream Aria
Fallen Angel
Angela Macari O’Looney
Dream Aria are an interesting band who hail from Toronto, Canada. They play a Cocktail of Progressive Rock, Goth, Metal, and Classical music.
Members are Ann Burstyn –Vocals, Don Stagg – Keys, Garry Flint – Drums/ Engineer and Jon Casselman – Bass.
Fallen Angel is a crazy number which involves thundering guitars and complex harmonics. Distortion packed riffs and a fab rock beat feature in the first part of the song. However there is a beautiful break with a sweeter refrain and superb close harmony lifting the mood. This is delightfully light and fresh, but doesn’t last long and soon things return to the wild rock beat. Harmonies are amazing, becoming very haunting and quite weird. Keyboards throughout are dramatic. This music is certainly not for the fainthearted!
Gypsy Heart – Beginning with dialogue from an old gypsy woman, this number involves a superbly exotic melody line and beat.
Abstract Relations – More drama in this song, as the fast moving beat, astounding electronic riffs and crazy guitars create the perfect backdrop for the extremely complicated but addictive melody line.
There’s a fab lead solo in Tale of Two Wolves, which begins with a trickling guitar and laid back verse. A crescendo of harmony is sung, followed by a total change of pace and mood and things become dark for a while. The softer verse returns, but you know things will change again and they do!
The Illusionist This number alters from horror movie style chords to a much more laid back chorus that I really like.
Serpent Nile is suitably creepy, with rippling keyboards, exotic riffs and distortion laden chords throughout. A screaming lead solo features and a subtle key change in the chorus adds to the atmosphere.
Transcend Synth is brilliant in this song and the wonderful Ah refrain too! An excellent guitar solo also features.
Pandora’s Box reminds me of Kate Bush, with a twist of Hazel O’Conner thrown in. It’s probably my favourite number from this band’s repertoire.
Other songs from Dream Aria’s collection are Labyrinth, Rhythm of Now, and 11th Hour. The idea of so many different genres combined isn’t easy to get one’s head around. However, with the unbelievable vocal range of the singer, the astounding harmonies and voluminous instrumentals constant in each number, this band ooze class!
Dream Aria are an interesting band who hail from Toronto, Canada. They play a Cocktail of Progressive Rock, Goth, Metal, and Classical music.
Members are Ann Burstyn –Vocals, Don Stagg – Keys, Garry Flint – Drums/ Engineer and Jon Casselman – Bass.
Fallen Angel is a crazy number which involves thundering guitars and complex harmonics. Distortion packed riffs and a fab rock beat feature in the first part of the song. However there is a beautiful break with a sweeter refrain and superb close harmony lifting the mood. This is delightfully light and fresh, but doesn’t last long and soon things return to the wild rock beat. Harmonies are amazing, becoming very haunting and quite weird. Keyboards throughout are dramatic. This music is certainly not for the fainthearted!
Gypsy Heart – Beginning with dialogue from an old gypsy woman, this number involves a superbly exotic melody line and beat.
Abstract Relations – More drama in this song, as the fast moving beat, astounding electronic riffs and crazy guitars create the perfect backdrop for the extremely complicated but addictive melody line.
There’s a fab lead solo in Tale of Two Wolves, which begins with a trickling guitar and laid back verse. A crescendo of harmony is sung, followed by a total change of pace and mood and things become dark for a while. The softer verse returns, but you know things will change again and they do!
The Illusionist This number alters from horror movie style chords to a much more laid back chorus that I really like.
Serpent Nile is suitably creepy, with rippling keyboards, exotic riffs and distortion laden chords throughout. A screaming lead solo features and a subtle key change in the chorus adds to the atmosphere.
Transcend Synth is brilliant in this song and the wonderful Ah refrain too! An excellent guitar solo also features.
Pandora’s Box reminds me of Kate Bush, with a twist of Hazel O’Conner thrown in. It’s probably my favourite number from this band’s repertoire.
Other songs from Dream Aria’s collection are Labyrinth, Rhythm of Now, and 11th Hour. The idea of so many different genres combined isn’t easy to get one’s head around. However, with the unbelievable vocal range of the singer, the astounding harmonies and voluminous instrumentals constant in each number, this band ooze class!
Wyvern Lingo
EP Review
Angela Macari O’Looney
This trio of talented ladies got my attention at a recent gig. Members are Caoimhe Barry – Percussion/Vocals, Saoirse Duane – Guitar/Vocals and Karen Cowley – Piano/Vocals.
Each of the band is an accomplished musician, yet together they blend really well vocally. The five tracks on their self named debut EP are exciting samples from their repertoire.
Herbert Park begins with trickling acoustic guitar and has close harmony throughout. It’s a love song with a laid back tempo. Piano lends dynamic for the second verse and the ooh refrain for the middle eight is hair on the back of the neck stuff!
Echoes involves a wonderful rippling piano intro. This number has a Soul feel to it and the girls do an interesting echo style refrain mid way through. That rippling piano riff continues between verses and is haunting, as is the melody line.
Deep Breaths has acoustic guitar only for the first verse. The girls filter their harmony beautifully here and there. It’s a laid back but memorable piece with fab chords that are all created vocally. I love the pace of this song too, as the guitar strums the accompaniment with the lyrics, which are poignant Don’t let the Rose see how deep her thorns cut me. The lead vocalist here demonstrates magnificent vocal power. Lead in some songs is done by Karen and in others Caoimhe.
Beginning with a percussion intro, Bravery has a three four tempo. Piano chords are fab and the beat alternates in places. The chorus is the most appealing feature of this number. There’s also an interesting change from major chords to minors later on in this track. And then as they return to the final chorus, they go back to the original sweeter chords.
Fools is dramatic and has a lot of stop start moments in it. It has a memorable chorus and the busy piano throughout is wonderful. The girls let go with some amazing vocal hi jinx and there’s a great vibe. You feel that they really enjoy the chops and changes and how they all get to stretch themselves here. Harmony is brilliant yet again and things wind down to a sudden stop; A great finish to a great number!
The CD comes in a very interesting parcel style cover which was designed by Caoimhe Barry, Rachel Sweeney and S.J. Carthy.
Wyvern Lingo hail from Bray and are together five years. They won the Rising Stars competition in the Dublin City Soul Festival and have played at Knockanstockan, Electric Picnic, Temple House and many other big venues. Their influences include great acts like Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Ella Fitzgerald and Fleetwood Mac. They have also played support to Juliet Turner and Pugwash and continue to blaze a trail with their harmonious soul sound.
This trio of talented ladies got my attention at a recent gig. Members are Caoimhe Barry – Percussion/Vocals, Saoirse Duane – Guitar/Vocals and Karen Cowley – Piano/Vocals.
Each of the band is an accomplished musician, yet together they blend really well vocally. The five tracks on their self named debut EP are exciting samples from their repertoire.
Herbert Park begins with trickling acoustic guitar and has close harmony throughout. It’s a love song with a laid back tempo. Piano lends dynamic for the second verse and the ooh refrain for the middle eight is hair on the back of the neck stuff!
Echoes involves a wonderful rippling piano intro. This number has a Soul feel to it and the girls do an interesting echo style refrain mid way through. That rippling piano riff continues between verses and is haunting, as is the melody line.
Deep Breaths has acoustic guitar only for the first verse. The girls filter their harmony beautifully here and there. It’s a laid back but memorable piece with fab chords that are all created vocally. I love the pace of this song too, as the guitar strums the accompaniment with the lyrics, which are poignant Don’t let the Rose see how deep her thorns cut me. The lead vocalist here demonstrates magnificent vocal power. Lead in some songs is done by Karen and in others Caoimhe.
Beginning with a percussion intro, Bravery has a three four tempo. Piano chords are fab and the beat alternates in places. The chorus is the most appealing feature of this number. There’s also an interesting change from major chords to minors later on in this track. And then as they return to the final chorus, they go back to the original sweeter chords.
Fools is dramatic and has a lot of stop start moments in it. It has a memorable chorus and the busy piano throughout is wonderful. The girls let go with some amazing vocal hi jinx and there’s a great vibe. You feel that they really enjoy the chops and changes and how they all get to stretch themselves here. Harmony is brilliant yet again and things wind down to a sudden stop; A great finish to a great number!
The CD comes in a very interesting parcel style cover which was designed by Caoimhe Barry, Rachel Sweeney and S.J. Carthy.
Wyvern Lingo hail from Bray and are together five years. They won the Rising Stars competition in the Dublin City Soul Festival and have played at Knockanstockan, Electric Picnic, Temple House and many other big venues. Their influences include great acts like Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Ella Fitzgerald and Fleetwood Mac. They have also played support to Juliet Turner and Pugwash and continue to blaze a trail with their harmonious soul sound.
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