Album Review: Clare O'Riordan, Outside

With her immensely enjoyable 2014 debut Shelter, the Cork singer-songwriter announced her arrival in considerable style. Its sequel, Outside, is destined to earn her even more fame and acclaim: it’s a seductive and assured effort, which deftly sidesteps difficult second album syndrome. Recorded in Brick Hill Studios, Massachusetts, the genre-fluid songs showcase a modern artist with a mature soul.

Comprised of ten tracks, this is a playful, powerful record that never rests on its laurels. The opening title-track sees O’Riordan let fly with her incredible pipes, as the tune builds towards a mesmeric finale. Equally impressive are the Kate Bush-style baroque-pop number ‘A World’; the jazz-flavoured ‘A Fox’; and the country-tinged ‘Take My Hand’. Saving the best ’til last, O’Riordan signs off with the spellbinding ‘Sailor’, bringing an accomplished outing to an excellent conclusion.
7/10

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