Fintan Brady: Under The Great Shady Tree

An architect by trade, Fintan Brady moved from Dublin to Tipperary in 2007 to pursue his full-time musical ambitions and these songs were apparently inspired by his search for spirituality through alternative therapies and “a form of energic healing called clearing.” Brady’s voice, which at times recalls that of Johnny Duhan, is appealing and there is a definite New Age feel to the songs, which range from reggae-tinged rock (‘Feel’, ‘Frank’) to acoustic fare (‘Floating’). He has an ear for the occasional catchy melody (‘This Is It’) and the backing from a large cast of local musicians is well up to par. However, many of the songs seem slightly undercooked. As an exercise in achieving self-awareness this may be everything it is intended to be, but I suspect that more rigour will be required if the casual listener is to be successfully wooed.