LIR: “Magico Magico!” (Velo)

THE WORST thing about being a band with an excellent live reputation is that the studio work can rarely deliver the same high standards.

This is the case with Lir’s debut album Magico Magico! Although brimming with good songs, it lacks the raw energy which Lir brilliantly create on stage, whether it’s in the Baggot Inn or part of a fundraiser in the Point.

The album has been long-awaited. The Donaghmede band have been on the music scene for about five years now and have built up an extremely loyal following. Knowing how great Lir are live, I came to this album with high expectations.

On Magico Magico! the slow songs deliver the goods but the songs that usually make me want to jump up and get down, instead pass me by, almost unnoticed. The songs finish and they’ve made no impact. This applies in particular to ‘Softball’ and ‘House of Song’.

However, the news is not all gloomy. The lyrics and music combine perfectly in ‘In A Day’ to give a truly beautiful gem of a song. If you look closely at Magico Magico! you’ll indeed find “a whole lot to be proud of.” It’s just a pity the whole album doesn’t measure up to the high standards which Lir have set themselves.

The three songs that appeared on their first EP All Machines Him In A – ‘In A Day’, ‘Two Worlds’ and ‘In The Parlour’ – all work well on the album, although the lyrics are a little strange to say the least. From ‘In The Parlour’ we get these words of wisdom: “he reappeared in the parlour with some strange lyrics and drier feet than usual.” Strange indeed!

Perhaps if I had never been to a Lir gig, then I would be more impressed by their debut. Instead I came away from my stereo feeling that something magical was missing. Maybe their next album will capture their true potential.

In the meantime if you want to hear some decent songs, take a listen to Magico Magico! If you want to see a really great live band and experience David McGuinness’ sexy stage movements, then get yourself along to the next Lir gig.

• Jackie Lynam (Dublin)