First Thing In The Morning

Sublime is just one way to describe this debut album. Charming, sweet and heart-warming are equally apt – this is a collection you’ll be unable to resist returning to repeatedly.

‘Winter’ leads the way, opening with an acoustic picked guitar – the basis of every track on the album. O’Reilly’s voice is warm and comforting with an appealing childlike eagerness. And the simple accompanying lyrics perfectly fit the music – “I’m just trying to make it home before it gets dark and the air gets cold.”

‘Ties’ – the most fleshed out track on the album – opens with a wash of keyboards and guitar so raw you can feel the fingers scrape along the strings. In the best tradition of generations of poets and writers, O’Reilly offers his craft as a gift – “I have nothing, nothing of worth, no riches to crown you, nothing but words.” – before the song fades out as subtly as it began.

While every track on the album offers it’s own individual spell, there isn’t much in the way of variety – the tempo doesn’t ever move past first gear and every song features similar acoustic guitar. But there are enough subtle changes from track to track to counter any risk of monotony.

Comparisons with David Kitt are inevitable – part of the same Dublin scene, they both peddle similar acoustic wares. If you’re a fan of Kitt, this will also likely tickle your fancy. If anything, it’s even more naked, with little other than the odd sample, background cough or melodica burst to enhance the sound. With the days drawing in, I get the feeling that this will be the perfect soundtrack to cosy fireside autumnal evenings. Sublime.