They say it’s a long road to the top if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll, and for this Limerick native, that phrase couldn’t ring any truer. Described as an album “65 years in the making”, O’Donovan’s debut distills six decades of experience into 11 impressive tracks. It draws on his own pedigree – he grew up in a musical household and is the father of former Fred bassist Jamin – as well as that of his sterling band, members of which have played in Horslips, Van Morrison’s group and more.

A tasty melting pot of influences, No Time Like The Present dabbles in effervescent pop rock (‘Strangest Situation’), fuses ‘50s sock hop balladry with Mariachi (‘It Was On A Night Like This’), and flirts with country-flavoured folk (‘Ghosts’). ‘Eugene’s Song’, meanwhile, is a huge, hook-laden highlight propelled by ska rhythms and Irish trad melodies, while ‘See You Once Again’ wears its Band influences proudly on its sleeve. It’s like a fine musical wine.

Record label: Self released!
Listen to: Eugene's Song
Rating: 7/10