Galway based, Dingle native Pauline Scanlon has a lot going for her on this impressive debut, not least of them a distinctive, occasionally beguiling voice, which seems to soar several miles above the varied arrangements on offer here. Added to that is an equally impressive list of guests helping out including man-of- the-moment Damien Dempsey, Sharon Shannon (with whom she has toured widely) and sometime Robert Plant guitarist Justin Adams, with production duties handled by John Reynolds.
The current single and opening track ‘Churchyard Bells’ – a windswept pop/rock tune with ambient textures isn’t all that typical of what follows which is in the main more straight acoustic in approach
More traditional fare like ‘Sally Free And Easy’ and ‘The Bonnie Blue-Eyed Lassie’ recalls classic English folk in the Fairport Convention vein while a strong Sinéad O’Connor influence can be heard on a powerful ‘Springhill Mining Disaster’ (once performed memorably by U2 on the Late Late Dubliners special). Meanwhile a surprisingly Irish sounding version of Don Maclean’s ‘And I Love You So’ (made famous by Perry Como) could well become a radio hit given the right exposure.
Other highlights include the wistful title track and a gorgeous reading of Willie Nelson’s ‘Valentine’ proving her ease with almost any genre.
Given the broad range of musical styles and song choices on offer here she’s clearly setting out her stall. But the songs apart, it’s Scanlon’s ethereal vocals and unique style that shines through on this eminently accomplished debut.