Album Review: Ciaran Lavery, Light Entertainment

Light Entertainment is a multi-layered and emotionally complex collection of tracks, which explore themes of paranoia, deceit and conflict. As Ciaran Lavery says himself, it's an "apocalypse" record.

Right from the off, he showcases his songwriting chops on 'Oh My God (No, Your God)' alongside fellow Antrim-born artist Morgana. The two harmonise hauntingly as they sing of inherited religious beliefs and the divided history of Northern Ireland, with a hushed bassline backing their powerful vocals. Electronic samples melt into acoustic instrumentals on 'Hearse', as the gentle soundscape cascades into a tender acoustic outro. 'Everything Considered' injects the record with its first dose of hope through playful, snappy production, Lavery's tone rising and his huskier vocals coming out to play on the verses.

In the second half of the album, Lavery cradles heavy lyrics within the arms of airy, twinkling soundscapes. 'Heart Malaise' begins with plucked acoustic strings, before expanding into a grand, orchestral soundscape, the singer's voice seeming to come from above. He finally achieves catharsis, meanwhile, on 'The World Will Put Its Arms Around You' – a faith-fuelled track which posits everything will turn out okay.

8/10