Possibly the youngest “veteran” on the Irish scene (she started performing and recording in her early teens) Wicklow born Luan Parle has been threatening a major breakthrough for some time now. A tireless live performer who is rarely off the road she might just do it with this, her second album, on which she seamlessly blends various American genres and styles – including country, blues, jazz and pop – on a dozen tunes, any one of which would stand up in its own right.
Eminently listenable and radio-friendly, the single ‘Why Baby Why’ falls somewhere between the pop smarts of Shania Twain and the rock aspirations of Sheryl Crow (with a hint of the Dixie Chicks’ twang). Her voice has also been compared with that of Stevie Nicks and at times it’s easy to see why, especially on a pair of Fleetwood Mac-influenced numbers, ‘Mercy City’ and ‘Three Minute Miracle’. But she can handle grittier blues too, and ‘Ain’t No Tempting Me’ wouldn’t sound out of place on a Bonnie Raitt album. Also sure to receive airplay, the ballad ‘Is This Goodbye’ showcases her voice and songwriting prowess to terrific effect, while ‘Strawberry Fair’ is a jazzy stomper that recalls the ‘Stray Cat Strut’.
The production is top-notch without being too safe, while the backing includes her long-time sidekick Gavin Ralston and some of the country’s top session players, including Conor Brady, Johnny Boyle and James Delaney, with string arrangements from Fiachra Trench. The Full Circle is a real winner.
KEY TRACK: ’WHY BABY WHY’