Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Lav at first sight
Singer songwriter Ciaran will certainly be remembered as one of the greats
There’s definitely something in the water here. I’m certain that Northern Ireland has more earnest singer songwriters per head than any other part of the UK. In fact, with the exception of south (and even then it’d be a close call), I reckon there isn’t a country on this entire planet that boasts the sheer quantity of guys and girls with guitars. With that in mind, it’s not particularly easy to stand out.
For every Foy Vance, Gareth Dunlop, SOAK or Joshua Burnside - there’s a landfill of the relatively forgettable, a mess of singer songwriters…..who are just okay.
Standing out amongst those who stand out, you have Ciaran Lavery. Ciaran should and most likely will - be remembered as one of the all time greats. Interestingly, it’s tricky to put your finger on exactly why that is.
There’s his voice, of course - a sort of welcoming, gravely lilt. It’s one of the most distinctive and instantly recognisable I’ve heard - and it draws you in. But that’s only the start. The real appeal is a little more subtle - Ciaran’s less-is-more approach to songwriting and production. Every note every word - it has it’s place. All of these wonderful songs are perfectly crafted and allowed to soar without unnecessary whistles or bells.
Ciaran’s third record is called ‘Sweet
Decay’ - and it’s released next Friday, the same day he plays The Empire, Belfast.
’Sweet Decay’ is blatantly his best work which really is saying something, given that 2016’s ‘Let Bad In’ was voted the best Northern Irish record of that particular year. And indeed given that 2013’s ‘Not Nearly Dark’ includes ’Shame’ - a track that’s been streamed on Spotify over 41 million times. But there’s just something about ‘Sweet Decay’ that takes us to a different place. It’s notably consistent - all killer with no filler the type of record where everyone will have a different favourite song. The stories are simple and understated, universal and recognisable - and the production is utterly sublime.
‘There’s a beast at my door / better not let it in / though it cuts a fine figure / someone I can put my trust in’ he sings on the string drenched ‘Beast at My Door’, for me, the album’s gorgeous high point. While that particular moment touches upon battles with mental health - and there’s also moments of shame, of anxiety and vulnerability - overall the record is weirdly optimistic. Simple love songs (‘Two Days in Savannah’, ‘Everything is Made to Last’) really help - as do moments of reflection and hope.
Needless to say, the great and good are happy to be involved. Talking of acts who have what it takes to stand out, see also Rebekah Fitch. While Rebekah is only getting started - she’s already shown great ambition, endless potential and a knack for mashing interesting songwriting and production with unashamed pop hooks.
The camera features a new “3D selfie” mode whereby you scan your own head with the frontfacing camera and create a 3D avatar.
The Sony Xperia XZ2 focuses on the right things – camera and design – without loading it up with unnecessary junk. A great phone. Makes sense she name checks the likes of Sia, Lana Del Ray, Lorde and FKA Twigs, sharing as she does their creative unpredictably. Stream the EP ‘Broken Mind’ for a colourful beginners guide. Lead track ‘A Love So Crazy’ is a euphoric showcase for her remarkable voice, while ‘Fake Smiles’ and (especially) ‘Human Condition(ing)’ are wonky and adventurous. Musically she’s all over the place - in the best possible way. She plays a full band show at Mchughs tonight, with another remarkable young talent - Roe amongst the support.