Album Review: The White Horse Guitar Club, Sos Beag

In an era that reveres the inventiveness of songwriters and the nourishment to be gained from their art, we can overlook the basic fact that songs are there to be sung rather than merely evaluated. This is the message of Sos Beag (Irish for short break), ten monumental songs by the 11 male members of The White Horse Guitar Club based in Ballincollig, Co. Cork.

The tracklist features a suite of durable tunes already written and/or recorded by legends such as John Prine (‘Paradise’), Loudon Wainwright (the hilarious ‘Swimming Song’) and Bob Dylan ‘(Dink’s Song’), while there’s also an energised version of ‘Cocaine’ – not the JJ Cale song – to luxuriate in. All are delivered with a generous helping of vim and vigour that demands repeat listens.

Prine’s ‘Paradise’ deserves particularly special attention. Written in 1971, it graphically depicts the damaging effects of industry on land – a matter that remains as worrisome half-a-century later. But that’s the beauty of Sos Beag. While The White Horse Guitar Club might seem to have a random approach to song selection, their instincts have steered them to the cream of successive crops, resulting in an irresistible musical experience.

Out now.