It would appear that The Long Stay’s Brendan Donnelly, Sean McAuley and Brendan McCullough are pretty much intent on keeping it country…kind of. First Collection is a set of sweet, slightly inoffensive new-country/acoustic offerings. Refusing to be swayed by ultra-modern trends, the music’s effect is not entirely dissimilar to the tender simplicity of the likes of Tracy Chapman, Paul Simon, Crowded House and the like. What the album lacks in innovation and emotional clout, it makes up for with lack of pretentiousness and understated charm. Songs like ‘Be Alright Tonight’ and ‘Moody Day’ seem tailored for the gentle, non-committal airwaves of local daytime radio, while ‘Good Love’ and ‘Sun Is Shining On’ are gallant, if slightly uninspired takes on the well-worn country ballad genre.
Though the album generally tends to err on the side of mediocrity, ‘Sleep Tonight’ is something of a highpoint. It’s a warm and soulful spoonful of acoustica, laced with gentle piano and cellos used to beguiling effect.
At the moment however, The Long Stay look unlikely for world domination, yet to be fair it’s not the worst thing you could ever come across on local radio. And, as we all know, it’s the quiet, unassuming ones you’ve got to keep an eye out for…