Album Review: ALKY, Rinse & Repeat

On his first-ever studio album, ALKY bares his soul for the world. He wears his heart on his sleeve in every note of Rinse & Repeat; and it’s a heavy heart at that.

The Dublin singer writes autobiographically, discussing his past personal challenges with everything from relationships to sobriety.

Meanwhile, his instrumentals – nearly all performed by himself – are equally powerful. His style is charged with emotion, rough around the edges and authentic at every step.

Stirring tracks like ‘All Because Of Love’ and ‘Perfect’ meld gritty guitars and driving rhythms with soulful vocals.

More energetic tunes like the soaring ‘Dirty Tricks’ and guitar-driven ‘Another Piece Of Me’ undulate between vulnerability and defiance, while acoustic ballads like ‘How Do You’ boast a more intimate sound.

‘How Do You’ is a stand-out; eschewing the electric guitar in favour of gentle string arrangements and ethereal female backing vocals.

All throughout, his sonorous baritone delivers lyrics that pull at the heartstrings and shine with authenticity.

Anthemic, cathartic and full of conviction, ALKY has planted a flag in the Irish indie rock scene with Rinse & Repeat.

Rinse & Repeat is out now. Listen here.