Now with a ‘Best Of’ compilation under their belts and following the slightly experimental slant of their 1998 comeback Born, this fifth studio album sees the Flowers return with what they claim is their most raw and soulful collection to date.
Harking back to their earlier days, albeit with less of the windswept Celtic influences, it’s an album that should delight their long-term fans, and though the traditional raggle-taggle haters are unlikely to say anything other than the usual ‘Nein Danke’, it’s proof that the Flowers’ soul roots have indeed grown stronger and deeper over the years.
Recent single ‘Your Love Goes On’ opens the album and is undoubtedly one of the highlights, the positive vibes flowing through it, setting the tone for most of what is to follow. It’s a record that does indeed sound like it comes from the heart, with the gospel-tinged rock and laidback arrangements coming across as the Flowers just doing what comes naturally.
Guitarist Fiachna O Braonain and bassist Peter O’Toole prove to be on top songwriting form with the likes of ‘The End of the Road’ and ‘Peace Tonight’, leaving Liam O Maonlai to concentrate on putting his distinctive vocals to good use. ‘Peace Tonight’ in particular showcases his voice sounding like never before, while on ‘Magic Bracelets’ he sounds for all the world like Van.
Other standout tracks include ‘Santa Monica’, which introduces a beautiful little tin whistle diversion just at the right moment, while the funky ‘Tell Me’ sounds a bit out of place but has enough swagger to just about pull it off.
However, at times the album does sound lacking in imagination, and tracks like ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Alright’ could probably have done with a bit more divine inspiration. Nonetheless, Into Your Heart is the sound of a band in love with their music and offers proof that these boys still have plenty to offer us.