With an ear for a haunting melody – and the voice and musicianship to match – hopes are high as Conor Furlong’s latest LP begins. ‘All That I Gave’ is a decent opening salvo, followed by the energetic and catchy ‘Alive’. By the time the outstanding ‘In My Arms’ is done – and you’ve reminded yourself that it’s not Jens Lekman you’re listening to, but a self-produced Dubliner – things are looking very promising indeed.
Unfortunately, Adventure subsequently loses its way slightly. Some tracks, like ‘Beam Of Light’ and ‘A Rowboat In A Storm’, would have benefitted from a stronger production hand and a bit of editing. Others, such as ‘On Fire’ and ‘The Stars Are Out Tonight’, display an obsession with digitally produced string arrangements which don’t always work. To these ears, ‘YPSS-790’ and ‘In Memory’ in particular feel off-kilter.
On the other hand ‘Take You Out’, which follows, is an impresssively serviceable slice of Coldplay-esque balladry. Combined with the album’s impressive opening, it confirms that Conor Furlong has considerable talent. But he’s not quite ready to carry all of the responsibility on his own inexperienced shoulders. One to keep an eye on.
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