Album Review- Silver Branch The Long Goodnight

In Celtic mythology, the Silver Branch represents a gateway to paradise. It’s an appropriate choice of moniker for Kerry-raised singer-songwriter Kieran Mulvihill, whose debut album is nothing short of other-worldly.

Centering around themes of love, betrayal, failure and renewal, The Long Goodnight sees Mulvihill interrogate everyday experiences, as he explores the nuances of modern existence.  Opening with the blissful thrum of ‘Another Night In’, the album touches on his past, present and future as he uncovers his innermost desires and deepest regrets.

Having traversed the emotional pits of ‘Today’ and ‘What is Real’, Mulvihill offers listeners a moment of quiet intimacy on ‘Evening Star’, a glimmering ray of sunlight that lands just before the album’s finale and title-track ‘The Long Goodbye’.

Produced by Karl Odlum, from the soft, acoustic melodies of ‘Another Night’ to the hard-hitting cries of ‘Even Out’, this ten-track collection draws listeners through an arc of human emotion. While there are moments when the album’s soul-baring narratives seem drawn-out, averaging around four-and-a-half minutes per track, the record strikes a fine balance between urgent and tender.

Recommended song: ‘Evening Star’

Rating: 8/10

Check out our June album reviews in this month's issue of Hot Press: