Dublin guitarist Cian Nugent to release first album in seven years

Dublin-based guitarist Cian Nugent has announced his first album in seven years, She Brings Me Back To The Land Of The Living, set for release on May 5th via U.S. label No Quarter Records.

Known for his signature folk sound and guitar prowess, the 34-year-old musician has been hard at work crafting his comeback to the Irish music scene with a new album that has a very personal meaning to the songwriter.

In 2020, Nugent moved back into his family home in Dublin to care for his mother, Kathy, while she was recovering from a stroke and experiencing aphasia. Amid her health challenges, Kathy would say the phrase “she brings me back to the land of the living” seemingly out of the blue with no clear meaning or origin.

"It stuck with me," Nugent said in a statement. "The songs here act as a way of processing change and accepting new futures."

Along with inspiring the album title, the artist’s mother also provided the cover art for the new LP, which is a painting she made while in the hospital.

She Brings Me Back To The Land Of The Living cover

She Brings Me Back To The Land Of The Living is the artist’s fourth album, following the release of 2016’s Night Fiction, 2014’s Born With The Caul and his 2011 debut Doubles.

In a review of Night Fiction, Hot Press’ Edwin McFee wrote that throughout the record the “Dublin-based guitar hero finds his voice”.

“Preferring to let his vocals tell the stories instead of the six-string, Nugent’s transition from instrumental compositions to more traditional, soul and blues-informed numbers is remarkably smooth. Indeed, one wonders why he is only now finding his singing voice.”

The Irish artist has toured around North America and Europe, performing with American musicians Steve Gunn and Ryley Walker as well as Canadian indie rock band Nap Eyes, among other artists. In 2014, the Dublin artist was also featured on NPR’s popular ‘Tiny Desk’ series, which gives artists a space to showcase their talent to adoring fans.

Nugent will be performing at two upcoming Dublin shows, the first being at Whelan’s on March 19th alongside American musician Dean Wareham, and his album release show will be at The Workman’s Cellar on May 25th.

She Brings Me Back To The Land Of The Living can be pre-ordered online here.

The music video for the album’s first released single, ‘High Up Airplane’, is available below.

She Brings Me Back To The Land Of The Living tracklist:

1. Empress
2. The Sound Of Rain
3. High Up Airplane
4. Siamese Sharks
5. I’ve Been Down
6. Dogs In The Morning
7. Pass The Time Away
8. How The Time Passes