If al fresco dining with a bottle of red wine had a soundtrack it’d be Secret Life of Blue. With her debut Róisín O – sister of Danny O’Reilly of The Coronas – has created an interesting, inviting, velvety snug, but gently tender album (if that’s not too much of a mouthful for you!).
Producer David Odlum (Gemma Hayes, Paloma Faith) has crafted a beautifully natural sound for the unassuming young southsider and her backing band. And the songs are strong. ‘Synchronicity’ is an interesting ode to a significant other, underscored by mellow Afro beats. ‘Let’s Find Some People’ is a street-strutting ditty that builds, with the aid of some strings, to a joyful crescendo. ‘You Owe Me A Drink’ is brilliant and addictive, Joni Mitchell in an excitable panic.
Theere are two foot-stomping folk pop tracks here in the singles ‘Here We Go’ (inspired by Electric Picnic) and ‘How Long’. While these upbeat excursions are feel-good and fun, however, it’s in the quieter moments that Róisín O’s own unique talents shine brightest. The title track and final song, ‘Secret Life Of Blue’, is a melancholic, tear-inducing and fascinating end to a thoroughly enjoyable debut.