Shadow Road Shining, the debut from Dublin singer-songwriter, Ciara Sidine, has me the most excited I’ve been about a new record for a long long time. Nurtured into life through Sidine’s deep appreciation for the best in the traditions of Americana, roots, country and Celtic soul, these self-penned songs are exquisitely beautiful, to the extent that each track has the feel of a timeless classic.
Sidine’s exceptionally pure voice, the brilliance of her songwriting and the outrageous talent of the musicians playing with her combine to sweep the listener along a shining journey from dawn to night, through darkness and light, the changing seasons of the heart and the tide’s ebb and flow. Sidine’s lyrics contain powerful, deeply affecting metaphors and symbols; it’s no surprise to discover that this talented musician – daughter of novelist, June Considine, and niece of author and poet, Dermot Bolger – is also one of Ireland’s most successful literary book editors.
Steve Wickham, Jack L, Paul Moore and Justin Carroll are among the luminaries who, recognising Sidine’s talent, have added their light to her debut. With Dave Hingerty of The Frames/Swell Season on drums, Christine O’Donnell on bazouki, the hugely talented Conor Brady providing distinctive guitar and creative direction, and Martin Clancy producing, the musical line-up on Shadow Road Shining is truly remarkable.
Lovingly modulated in tone and tempo, these songs range in style from the seafaring ballad of ‘Constellations High’, through epic country diva in ‘Hollow The Breeze’ and ‘Sweet Breath On A Lonesome Flame’, the supernaturally witchy in ‘Mercy Moon’ and ‘Only You’, and the ultra-sweet lullaby of ‘Sleepy Eyes’. The secret ingredient in them all is the sheer abandonment that Sidine offers through her ethereal voice. A sensually feminine, often melancholic yearning reaches deeply into the heart of the listener, caressing and embracing us with beautiful longing. Recommended from the highest heights.