On this day 25 years ago: Paddy Casey released his debut album Amen (So Be It)

Originally published in Hot Press in 1999:

On the first listen, Paddy Casey’s debut album Amen (So Be It) stands out as top quality singer/songwriter material. On the second, you hear intimations of the kind of subtle complexity which insists that you listen again. And again. And again.

Some of these songs are heartfelt, beautiful and emotionally cleansing – the sort you want to permanently imprint upon your memory, to bring up whenever you think you need them. Some are folkie in the classic Bob Dylan/John Martyn sense, while others are fast, anthemic and danceable à la David Gray, with whom Paddy Casey has many things in common – including cute looks and, judging by his lyrics, perception and sensitivity. (This 24-year-old Dubliner can expect massive appreciation from the girls – especially with stunning songs like ‘Fear’, a protective prayer for his daughter and her mother).

Particularly striking on this well-diversified 11-track album are ‘Everybody Wants’, ‘Downtown, ‘Would U B’, ‘Winter’s Fire’, ‘Ancient Sorrow’ and ‘Rainwater’.

‘Ancient Sorrow’ is typical of the careful thought, strong vocals and multi-styled, multi-talented instrumentation that go into Paddy Casey’s songs. It starts off with voice alone; a few seconds later, beats and sequencers get doing their stuff; next, rich full strings add depth and gut-wrenching emotion, and the vocals break into kaleidoscopic patterns – formed by delayed harmonies – which merge and separate and re-coalesce. As with all the tracks, brilliant guitar is a given.

These are songs to comfort and disturb. The artistic integrity of their creator is apparent. Amen (So Be It) is a remarkable debut – mature, innovative, polished – from an Irish singer/songwriter who has talent and courage. Listen to it!

To mark the 25th anniversary of Amen (So Be It), a special vinyl edition has been released, on a limited edition clear purple pressing. You can order the LP here.