By Jim Rowland
Damian O’Neill is of course best known as guitarist for Derry punk legends The Undertones, as well as the work he did with That Petrol Emotion and The Everlasting Yeah. ‘an crann’ is O’Neill’s third solo album, but don’t expect any ‘Teenage Kicks’ or ‘My Perfect Cousin’s here…
This is a solo album in the truest sense for O’Neill, venturing into very different and personal territory to what he’s best known for, and almost entirely instrumental.
Opener ‘Mas o Menos’ is probably the album’s most up tempo moment, having a groovy ’60s lounge flavour to it, as does ‘La Tengo’, with album closer ‘Round And Round’ also strong on the ’60s influence, but more dreamy psychedelic and finishing with a little reference to ‘Sigh & Explode’ from the Undertones’ wonderful third album ‘Positive Touch’. Indeed, if there is any resemblance to the Undertones’ output on this album, it’s that one in a small way.
‘Malin Head Imminent’, ‘A Quare Visitation (Belfast ’65)’, ‘New Loft Trio’ and ‘Waltz Interlude’ all have a very mellow, acoustic and dreamy feel to them, whilst ‘Tune For The Derry Ones’, ‘Manannan mac Lir’ and ‘We Want The Wesleys’ go in a more traditional Irish folky direction, with ‘Lament For Loughinisland’ providing the album’s most eerie and atmospheric moment.
Released on CD, download and sky blue vinyl, ‘an crann’ is a beautiful album for one of those sit back, relax and drift off mellow moments, and testament to the talent and versatility of Damian O’Neill.
‘an crann’ is released this Friday (25 November). You can get your copy HERE.
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