InunDations

InunDations is the third volume of

in-studio sessions from Jon Richards’ show on Galway Bay FM to get an official release. Like its predecessors, this double CD features some of the finest Irish and international artists in a pared-down, mostly unplugged setting, letting the songs do the talking.

Of the heavyweights on show, Mundy, The Devlins and Juliet Turner are in suitably impressive form, offering fresh glimpses into their superior songwriting canon. The Frames deliver a very different, restrained twist on ‘Revelate’, that will be a must for Frames completists, Glen’s voice sounding curiously fractured. Lloyd Cole presents a wonderful, slowed-down version of his classic ‘Brand New Friend’. Gemma Hayes’ ‘Over And Over’ shows just why her star is so much in the ascendent right now, and Jack L proves again that he has one of the finest voices on this or any other island. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Mic Christopher’s ‘Kid’s Song’ offers a timely reminder of what a bloody great songwriting talent he was. You’ll always be missed, kiddo.

The pick of this unique crop, for me, however, comes down to a toss-up between Damien Rice and Ron Sexsmith. Rice’s blistering ‘Woman Like A Man’ is possibly the filthiest song ever played on Irish radio, while on ‘Thirsty Love’ the Canadian songsmith masterfully evokes the warmth – and indeed the naivety – of classics from Roy Orbison or Buddy Holly.

What of the newcomers? It is one of the joys of Richards’ project that it offers a platform for lesser lights to strut their stuff alongside more established names on exactly equal terms – and so it is here. Skindive’s electric, shit-kicking take on ‘Swallow’ comes like a bolt from the blue and is a welcome call to arms. The Revs’ ‘Alone With You; is also a revelation, proving that there is far more to the Donegal trio than three-minute punk-pop – Rory’s voice drips pathos and has never sounded sweeter or better. Colm Querney’s ‘Under The Stars’ is liltingly beautiful, Brando are typically top-notch and Adrian Crowley’s aching alt.country confirms that he genuinely is one for the future. Meanwhile, recent Demo of the Fortnight stars Mail Order Messiahs deliver some surrealistic, demented cacophonic blues in the name of ‘Tesas Arsenist’ (sic).

The Irish folk and country tradition is also well catered for, with a mixture of well-known names like Mary Black – who is in very impressive form – and Mick Hanly, as well as relative newcomers like recent hotpress Award Winner Cara Dillon.

While not every tune is a hidden gem, there is enough real quality here to make InunDations more than worth hunting down. The fact that all profits go to The Samaritans makes it doubly worth your while. Good for the soul and good for the conscience too.