Steo Wall, Where I'm From: Album Review

Damo-Endorsed Artist Impresses.

While Where I'm From is this Dublin-raised, Claire-based tunesmith's first album, you'd be forgiven for thinking he's five records deep into his campaign. Declared 'the real article' by Damien Dempsey, the music on Wall's debut sounds focused and fully-formed and boasts a strong foundation - thanks, in part, to mentor Luka Bloom. Buoyed by appearances from those aforementioned Irish legends (as well as David Spillane and more), the 11-track album is brimming with confessional lyrics and a cornucopia of musical styles. It surely signals the start of an exciting career.

The title-track makes an unforgettable first impression. Driven by a double bass, and flecked with hip-hop touches, it's an emotional roller-coaster which pulls no punches in its depiction of drug abuse and gun violence. On 'These Words', Wall remains confessional on a touching Irish soul number; 'Unborn Woods', a folk tune about fatherhood that's both world weary and hopeful at the same time, lightens the tone; star of the show is his duet with Damo, 'What's Wrong With The World Ma?', which rails against social media and "sheeple." It's bolstered by a chart-bothering hook that has hit written all over it. Excellent Stuff.

Best Track - 'What's Wrong With the World, Ma?'

7/10

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