Chris Haze - World Outside

World Outside is the debut album from Galway man Chris Haze, though fans of Dublin rapper Bitter Rocc – who produces here – will recognise Haze’s vocal from Rocc’s Cold City and MMXIII albums. But where Rocc opted for gritty lyricism over hip-hop beats, Haze’s debut is a soulful collection of chart-friendly pop and R&B tunes, reminiscent of Irish acts like The Script, The Original Rudeboys, and Mr. London-Wexford himself, Maverick Sabre.

Album opener ‘The Path’ sums this singer-songwriter up: it’s a stripped-back, melodic acoustic number that allows Haze’s distinctive, ‘is-he-really-from-Galway?’ vocal to shine. Elsewhere, though the likes of heartfelt ballad ‘Questions’ could easily soundtrack any US teen drama, while the edgier production of latest single ‘Somewhere New’ and R&B track ‘Forgiven Memory’ feel most suited to Haze’s American style. The high ballad count runs the risk of leading the album to samey territory. In all though, it’s a promising Irish debut with catchy hooks and soul aplenty.