Skindive

It’s seems that lately every time an Irish act release an album they promo it with a series of unplugged gigs in cafés and record shops around the country. And fair play to ‘em. But it’s not going to happen here. I’m a big fan of the singer-songwriter genre but I confess this record made me re-discover my inner rock chic.

Skindive’s sumptuous debut is a return to the mighty production numbers of the ’80s. Walls of sound and soaring vocals from both lead vocalist Danielle Harrison (as Little Red Riding Hood) and guitarist/vocalist Gerry Owens (as the Big Bad Wolf) predominate backed up by rock-solid rhythm section Alan Lee on bass and Ger O’Connor on drums. Then add oceanic keyboards and numerous cheeky samples and noodlings and mix until you’re stirred.

Skindive is easily the most original Irish release I’ve heard this year. It’s hard to describe the sound unless you use words that end in ‘ic’, epic, cinematic, romantic, panoramic, take your pick; though if you can imagine Trent Reznor producing a James Bond theme with Portishead lending a hand you’re getting close.

Standout tracks include current single ‘Swallow’ and the previous release ‘Tranquilliser’, though tracks like ‘Skindive’ – "Bleeding hides my grief decide to leave my eyes wide open/ Hang myself around your neck the stain spreads out and, pain/ When can I/ Go again?" – and ‘Salt Peter’ are equally worthy follow-ups.

Lest you think it’s all bombast and slick production values Skindive prove that they appreciate the value of subtlety on more understated tracks like ‘Confession’ and the duet ‘No More Good Guys’.

On this evidence, Skindive are the only Irish band I’ve ever heard who might possibly give Bono’s boys a run for their money in the world domination stakes.