Waves

The much anticipated project from ex-Cranberry Noel Hogan is as far from old-school Irish guitar rock as possible. After a subtle intro reminiscent of a Sea Change-era Beck, the first thing to strike the listener is that Richard Walters’ vocals are devastating, especially coupled with the dynamics of the tune, going from frail and introspective to full-on epic self-possessed heart-twisting melancholia. It's the kind of thing you’d crave after an hour too long in the pub talking about poetry. ‘Brighter Sky’, on the other hand, sounds like something you’d hear in the gym.