Niall Breslin really doesn’t make it easy. Between his ‘Bressie’ moniker and the suspicion that his music is squarely aimed at the Abercrombie & Fitch set, it’s difficult not to bristle as you push play on Colourblind Stereo. Add in track titles like ‘She Ticks All The Boxes’ and ‘Left The Party Too Soon’ and you’ve almost arrived at a cynical verdict before you’ve even heard a note of music. Which would be a shame, as the music brims with confidence and often surprises.
On the strength of his work with The Blizzards, it should come as no shock that Breslin has a flair for pop sensibilities in his locker. What might surprise fans of his former band is that Colourblind Stereo unashamedly embraces that aspect of Breslin’s repertoire and is a much more interesting prospect for it. His admirable ability to write catchy hooks is in full effect during opener ‘Can’t Stay Young (Forever)’ and the irresistible foot-stomp of ‘Breaking My Fall’. More than a quick one-two punch to kick things off, it’s a statement – ‘pop’ is not a dirty word. When done right, it’s really quite amazing.

Colourblind Stereo celebrates that notion with a collection of songs that implores the listener to smile and move. Yet the Westmeath man is arguably at his best when stripped back, with the quiet space oddity of ‘Android Heart’ and the soul-searching ‘While You’re Dreaming’ revealing depth in subtle fashion, the latter occasionally hitting the same synth-heavy heights as French electro sensation M83’s ‘80s-flavoured epic Saturdays = Youth. Alas, with any new venture, confidence can be misplaced, and Breslin’s lyrics are often distracting and much too playful, most notably on ‘She Ticks All The Boxes’ where he goes all tongue-in-cheek preacher, declaring that “For every act of horror/There’s a million acts of love”. He’s aiming for Mercury, but comes closer to Mika. However, when Colourblind Stereo hits the target, it’s a winner.