This Is The Tycho Brahe

I love the gutsy assertiveness of a “This Is...” title. Face it, it’s a damn sight better than the boring old “Introducing...” tag for a debut album, and far more preferable to the common cop out of going eponymous.

The Tycho Brahe are the latest Dublin ensemble of marvellous mavericks, who number former Plague Monkeys Donal O’Mahony and Carol Keogh in their ranks alongside the noted multi-instrumentalist in David Kitt’s band, Diarmuid MacDiarmada. Daniel Figgis and our own Kim Porcelli also contribute some “processed” harmonium and cello respectively – so perhaps that should read Kim Porcellist! (Kaboum! Sorry Kim.)

It’s a joy to hear this miniature cast of local luminaries weave such a wonderful web of avant-pop. The performances are delicate yet assuringly confident and brilliantly produced, mixed and mastered by O’Mahony and MacDiarmada. Carol’s voice is the crowning ace in a strong pack. ‘Your House From Mine’ reminds me of Kristen Hersh, not so much in style but for its full-bodied, unmistakable distinctiveness.

The lyrical standard is also impressively high (eg, “The history of love has not been written/Just the history of its thieves/That is history’s brief” – ‘Tycho Brahe’) and the packaging and cover art are suitably elegant and minimally ornate.

I’d imagine the Danish astronomer from whom they lift their name is smiling down from the heavens approvingly.