Album Review: Kevin Nolan – 'Let's All Get Nervous'

They say that good things come to those who wait. That evergreen proverb feels tailormade for Kevin Nolan. Hailed as one of Ireland’s most fascinating artists by this very mag, the fiercely gifted singer/composer’s first full-length (the still shimmering Fredrick & The Golden Dawn) was unleashed in 2014. While Nolan has since released a fistful of singles, EPs and a compilation LP, fans had to re-learn the lost art of being patient when it came to getting their mitts on a second album. Now, after six years of toil, Nolan has finally unveiled Let’s All Get Nervous.

Nolan displays a shark-like mentality throughout, always moving ahead and not afraid to show his teeth. Featuring appearances from the likes of Vyvienne Long, Mik Pyro, AlabasterDePlume and Susanne Wawra, tracks such as ‘The Dead-Beat’ and ‘The Coming Of Complete Night’ dazzle, in particular thanks to Kevin’s storytelling skills. Best of all is ‘Bow The Lyre’, which blends ’60s flower-power organ with bleeding edge beats to impressive effect.

Tapping variously into dirty blues, art and math rock, jazz and spoken word, Let’s All Get Nervous is truly a feast for the ears. We need to talk about Kevin Nolan.

Listen below.