Trying to pin down this maverick Corkman’s stylistic place in the scheme of things isn’t easy – he certainly doesn’t comply with any of the requirements of the singer-songwriter brigade, he’s way too eclectic to come under the banner of “indie-pop” and, on the evidence here, there’s nothing remotely “Irish” about his influences. In fact, listening to Coleman’s distinctive vocal tones immediately calls to mind another Cork legend - Cathal Coughlin of Microdisney and Fatima Mansions fame. Not that they are all that similar - perhaps it’s that celebrated Cork quirkiness that has informed everyone from Five Go Down To The Sea to The Frank & Walters that is at work here. Whatever, this is a hugely satisfying collection of songs with more twists and turns than the back roads to Bantry. Coleman sounds like a man who gets bored easily - hence a welcome lack of sameness about the 11 songs here. ‘I Want You To Know’, the album’s rousing opener, is the nearest track to an indie standard, ‘Welcome To The Breakdown’ is a blend of electro and folk - Depeche Mode-meets Mumford and Sons doesn’t quite describe it but will have to suffice - while ‘Somewhere’ is a soaring, mid-tempo ballad with Springsteenesque glockenspiel.
What makes this stand apart from almost every other home-grown release is the sheer exuberance and lack of self-consciousness on Coleman’s part. ‘She Knows/ I Know’ sounds like Al (‘Year of The Cat’) Stewart filtered through Ben Folds’ piano and a dose of Syd Barrett psychedelia, ‘False North’ could have been written with yet another Corkman - John Spillane – in mind, while ‘Crossfire’ is pure pop in the classic sense, complete with memorable minor key melody, irresistible chorus and toe-tapping rhythm.
Even the album’s tactile artwork is a wonder in itself – individually hand-stencilled in bright primary colours with every copy unique. Kudos too to the production team – the sound is dynamic, punchy and sonically rich in a way that perfectly complements Coleman’s powerhouse voice. A triumph and a sure-fire hit!
KEY TRACK: ‘SOMEWHERE’