From Portlaoise via London, Gary Dunne avoids the pitfalls of mawkish singer-songwriterdom with challenging indie-folk songs that bridge the divide between Cat Stevens and Neil Young. Nor is he averse to embellishing his music with loops, brass and the kitchen sink – but always in a way that nurtures rather than smothers the tracks.
‘The Captain’ is a passionate plea from life’s underbelly, achingly beautiful and irresistible. ‘If You Don’t Want Me’ has an alt-country feel to it. ‘Dangerous’ is a hopeful song about relationships, with a warm, sassy feel; ‘Hollywood’ is a jolly knees-up with lyrics that say much about life being more complex that it needs to be. ‘Hurt By Love;’ is a basic folk tune with a fetching chorus, underpinned by a sturdy backing, and ‘Simple Truth’ could be the protest anthem for those who wish to have the Celtic Tiger put down.
Twelve songs, all with something to say about the world we live, and die, in. Now ain’t that something.
Key Track: 'Simple Truth'