Live Report: Caoilian Sherlock on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series

Since cutting his teeth in bands like The Shaker Hymn, Cork musician Caoilian Sherlock has emerged as one of the most captivatingly original alternative-pop artists in the country. Last month, he made his highly anticipated return with 'Sucker For Love' – an anti-romance pop track with flavours of The Divine Comedy and Spoon that was made a Hot Press Track of the Day.

Despite technical difficulties and a brave failed attempt to have a roaring fire in the background of his livestream, Caoilian proved his ease in front of the camera and relished an intimate setting. His laidback connection with his audiences matches the accessibility of his tracks, full of clever lyricism and catchy melodies. Starting off his set with his latest track, 'Sucker For Love', Sherlock utilises his droll sense of humour and blunt honesty in his songwriting, paralleling perfectly with his indie-folk vocal intonations. With lines such as, "What a piece of shit I can be, always feeling sorry for myself"; the track is sure to get stuck in your head alongside Sherlock's refreshingly sombre self-examination.

Following 'Sucker For Love' is 2019's 'Don't Let Me Forget About Her', which is set to feature on his postponed debut album. Plans for the full-length LP were scuppered on account of the Covid-19 pandemic in April of this year, but the wok will hopefully arrive in Spring of 2021. Sherlock introduces an acoustic version of 'Shades of You' next, a comfortably simple song with a dreamlike, soft pace. One of the singer-songwriter's key strengths is his unique style of storytelling, with his trademark poetic yet bare frankness of tone. Performing a more melancholy track, titled 'Every River Has A Name', the song speaks to golden generations seeing their lives pass them by, questioning the meaning of it all.

The ideal lockdown atmosphere for a song, 'Teenage Jesus' speaks to the chaotic environment of our current world and how to find a purpose while experiencing the continued confusion and calamity. Set to be included on his debut album, 'Teenage Jesus' is arguably his best track to date. "Life's a performance and death is one last dance", he sings, while experiencing technology glitches. The unpredictability of live shows is highlighted, but Caoilian takes it all in his stride - much like his attitude to 2020. Despite the more dejected themes, Sherlock's music is never desolate in tone. Concluding his enjoyable set with 'I'll Be A Fool For You', released when he performed under the moniker Saint Caoilian, the artist finishes with a memorable gem. Emanating the charisma of laidback blues folk, excitement is building for Caoilian's sure-to-be sentimental first album.

Watch Caoilian's full Y&E Series performance below:

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Watch Michelle Grimes tonight, December 1 – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm. Hailing from Limerick, multi-instrumentalist Michelle Grimes has emerged as one of the country's most promising pop acts of recent memory. With a R&B-influenced sound that's already been compared to the likes of Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Dua Lipa, the Irish star-in-the-making released her debut single 'Going Going Gone' in October.

Up next on the Y&E Series...

Wednesday, December 2: MATT MCGINN
Tipped as one of the Hot Press 'Hot For 2020' acts, Co. Down folk artist Matt McGinn has spent the last few years establishing himself as one of the most talented songsmiths in Ireland, with four acclaimed albums. Over lockdown, he kept himself busy recording a new album – releasing 'Annie (Many Moons Ago)', the first single from the project, in August.

Thursday, December 3: GEORGE HUTTON
Acclaimed Irish folksinger and lyric tenor George Hutton has shared stages with Glen Hansard, Phil Coulter, Hozier, Moya Brennan and more. He launched his solo career with the release of Chapter One in 2018, followed by Home earlier this year. George recently returned with an acclaimed new single, 'The Light'.

Friday, December 4: VERY SPECIAL GUEST!!!