Music reviews

Dermot Kennedy

Without Fear

For those who already form part of Dermot Kennedy’s large and loyal fanbase, for those who have stood in uncomfortably close quarters with other admirers to watch him perform in increasingly larger venues, the fact his debut album is an absolute joy will not come as a surprise.

The Irish singer-songwriter, who cut his teeth as a busker before building up a global fanbase of millions on streaming platforms, is the definition of an artist on the cusp of something special. If you were not convinced from his previous work, the beauty of his first full LP is proof this is a a star in the making.

9/10

Scouting for Girls

The Trouble With Boys As someone with fond memories of listening to Scouting For Girls as a teenager, the prospect of a new album from the She’s So Lovely hit-makers was always going to be an exciting one.

The Trouble With Boys is the three-piece’s first album since 2015, and, unbelievably, comes 12 years since their eponymous debut.

Album opener Dancing With You is a lively track with all the feel-good punch the indie rock band has always seemed to nail. Grown Up grapples with the passing of time, as frontman Roy Stride very relatably sings: “I don’t wanna be a grown-up.” This Is A Love Song sees the group succumb to romance.

With a formula that consistently delivers, Scouting For Girls have maintained their pop-friendly persona here.

There’s cheesiness, but is that a bad thing? Nope.

8/10

The Darkness

Easter is Cancelled

Very few bands could survive a tumultuous break up and yet still make harmonious music 16 years after their debut. But with their sixth studio album, The Darkness have managed a miracle.

Easter Is Cancelled is pitched as the band’s first concept album and while the supposed biblical elements of the album are too subtle to cement the idea, the result is divine regardless.

The album brings together many elements skilfully, from soulful acoustic to the classic, whimsical rock listeners know well.

Easter Is Cancelled is a reconciliatory, fresh start.

7/10

The Wildhearts

Diagnosis

Having returned in May with their first studio album in a decade, Renaissance Men, The Wildhearts now bookend the accompanying tour with a six-track mini-album which arguably surpasses the standard of the fulllength and, building on a title track which appeared on the album, serves a vital purpose in raising and exploring the issue of mental health care.

Diagnosis itself, with its 90-second intro, is better placed here as the lead-out track. God Damn is perhaps the strongest lyrical evocation of an issue frontman Ginger regards as the most important facing the world.

Amid the weighty lyrics and hard-hitting riffs, the Geordie quartet’s ear for a pop hook has been key to their longevity in the industry and is ever-present here.

8/10