Over the last half decade, Dublin-based songsmith Funzo has been called many things. Award-winning musician, hard working road warrior and genre-bucking sonic pioneer are just three. Now he adds another name to the ever-growing list: architect of one of the most diverse debuts in recent memory. The brainchild of Liam McDermott, The Great Lonesome features a veritable feast of musical flavours.
Comprising 18 tracks, Funzo’s first record takes the listener on a sort of magical musical tour. Hip hop, rocksteady, pop, ska and soul influences can all be heard on the album – indeed, sometimes over the course of a single song (‘When’s It Over?’) – and his adventurous approach makes for an engaging, eclectic, often joyful listening experience. The hand-clap driven ‘Amour Fou’ is a highlight, marrying beautiful calypso guitars with a sweet vocal hook. The weird and wonderful, brass-infused, circus-themed ‘Me And Her’ gives it a run for its money, as does social media thinkpiece ‘Stalk This Way’. Though the album loses its way towards the end – too many introspective ballads pile up for my taste – there’s no denying The Great Lonesome is an impressive debut and sure to earn Funzo plenty of new friends.
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