Stunning second album from Galway star in the making.
Second albums are tricky – so many artists spend a long time writing and recording their debut – and when success comes along, the challenge of making a follow-up album that will please fans and newcomers alike is enormous. For Galway-based Niamh Regan, her progress from her debut 2020 album ‘Hemet‘ to this new release is nothing short of miraculous. Her debut sound was quiet, reflective and quite intense – it garnered fantastic reviews. Touring the album supporting the likes of Josh Ritter, Villagers and John Grant gave her the confidence to write new material and give them a slightly different sound for album number two. So she started working with producer Tommy McLaughlin – a Donegal producer who’s worked with the likes of Foy Vance, Villagers, SOAK, Bell X1 and Duke Special. As the recording commenced Regan admitted she was scared and apprehensive – but the music that that emanated from this creative coupling is nothing short of astonishing.
This is a bold, distinctive and highly personal album of songs that capture the imagination of the listener in a sensational way. She has stated that her musical inspirations come from the likes of Julia Jacklin, Caroline Rose and, wonderfully, Wilco – and without a doubt Mr Tweedy will adore this set of songs. These songs are about Regan’s feelings about herself in her late twenties and the creative self-doubt that often haunts her. Yet the songs are so confident, striking, bold and memorable that you’re left wanting more.
Opener ‘Madonna’ starts with acoustic guitar and keyboards and some complex and fascinating lyrics and Regan admits she wanted to start the album boldly. It’s a raw and beautiful song about subjects society tends to tiptoe around and avoid talking about. The video is astonishing. Next up is ‘Belly’, a more up-tempo love song about doomed love – with some superb arrangements and another display of Regan’s wonderful off-kilter vocals. Track three is ‘Music’ – a gob-smackingly good song that Wilco will be covering in the near future, undoubtedly. It’s a sublime tune and contains a cracking guitar solo. So, so good. Regan’s romantic uncertainty resurfaces on ‘Long Haul’ with its gentle guitar work and effective drum work. The dreamy ‘Blame’ is enhanced with some gorgeous guitar work and a Tom Petty feel and the majestic and dream-like ‘Waves’ packs a real piano and strings-driven punch.
So this is termed folk – but actually this is majestic storytelling, covering a range of styles with lyrics that will confound and engage in equal measure and a feeling in the listener that big things are going to happen to Regan. You will go back to play this album again. And again.
