With Greg Kane
Fionn Regan
Wednesday 5th March 7pm
Òran Mór
Where have you been Fionn? The first time I saw him live was in Tuts in 2006. I even travelled down to London to see him in 2017. That’s the last I’d heard of him. He disappeared off the planet not long after. My friend and I even considered making a quest documentary about trying to find him. We are fans, as are many others. Even the Oscar winning actor Cillian Murphy agreed to appear solo in the video for Regan’s 2017 single “The Meeting Of the Waters”. He’s held in such high regard.
But after 6 years away, he’s back with a new album called ‘O Avalanche’, his sixth. It’s still all about the words with Fionn, that’s what gets you hooked. He has a quiet confidence with what he sings about and the way he sings it, making him such a charismatic songsmith to watch. It’s great to have him back.
Choice Track: Fionn Regan- ‘Be Good Or Be Gone’
Gracie Abrams
Wednesday 12th March 6:30pm
OVO Hydro
Born and raised in Los Angeles County, California, Abrams is the daughter of the hit filmmaker J. J. Abrams (Armageddon, Star Wars, Star Trek) and the film and television producer Katie McGrath. She’s had quite a meteoric rise over the last 5 years after dropping out of college to pursue her music career in 2019, but she’s worked hard for it. She’s on her second album release, had multiple Grammy nominations, on her 4th headline world tour and has enjoyed multiple support slots on Taylor Swift’s record breaking Eras World Tour and is still only 25 years old.
I’ve found it quite difficult to write a descriptive of her music. Yes, it’s modern pop… but what is modern pop? Whispery vocals? tick… THOSE 4 chords strummed on an acoustic? tick… Atmospheric sound design? tick… Professional songwriter controlled chorus hook? tick. Yes, everything is in it’s right place with Gracie Abrams.
Choice Track: Gracie Abrams – ‘That’s So True’
The Breath
Saturday 29th March 7:30pm
Cottier’s Theatre
I’d never heard of The Breath before. It’s the kind of band name that has my thumb hovering over a swipe if I’m honest, but I didn’t and I’m so glad I didn’t. The first time you hear Ríoghnach Connolly’s voice you just stop what you’re doing, sit yourself down and turn up the speakers. Something so pure and so effortlessly beautiful requires your undivided attention. The Breath are Manchester-based guitarist Stuart McCallum and singer/flautist Ríoghnach Connolly. They met on the city’s gig circuit in the late noughties. Yes it’s folk music, but to my ears there’s references to some 70’s pop/prog in there, some early Kate Bushisms too. Chord choices constantly surprise and delight… the sudden dynamic variations in the arrangements excite. But it’s that voice, you just gotta hear it!
They are on a UK tour Feb thru March 2025 promoting their album “Land Of My Other” released on Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records.
Choice Track: The Breath – ‘Don’t Rush It’
Return to Music Articles
