Album Review: Ciara O'Neill: Arrow

Created in an a creaky old house in the country somewhere up north, Portadown songwriter Ciara O’Neill’s second LP is a collection of cathartic, confessional folk songs, which aim to offer comfort to those adrift in the sea of life. Gamely hitting the mark, Arrow is a magnetic listen that conjures up a world that’s easy to get lost in. Expertly captured by producer/sonic wizard Michael Mormecha (keen ears will hear winds blowing and birds chirping in among the acoustic guitar and cello-led goodness), the ten-track effort is a gorgeous, gloom-laden tour de force.

As beguiling as some of the ballads are (‘Do You Know,’ ‘Favourite Mistake’), it’s the songs that take some risks that really reward. ‘Storms Comin’’, which is spiced with some electric guitars, could soundtrack a scene in Twin Peaks’ Bang Bang Bar, while the string stabs on the brooding ‘Two Hearts’ give it a cinematic edge, and the almost playful ‘Dreamer’ is both uplifting and downbeat at the same time. Haunting and hopeful, Arrow boasts some of O’Neill’s best work to date, and is a must listen for folk fans.

Rating 7/10