- Music
- 20 Aug 13
Debut from Dubliner showcases powerful voice...
She’s been making waves as a live force and been variously compared with similarly feisty female singers such as Alanis Morrisette and KT Tunstall. On the evidence here, Dublin northsider Rachael McCormack’s influences range far wider, harking back to the 1970s and beyond.
Kicking off with the roar of a motorcycle, the pounding of drums and the crunch of guitars ‘Keep Believing’ blends the riff from ‘Spirit In The Sky’ with T.Rex’s ‘Telegram Sam’. ‘Am I Still Breathing’ is a more sophisticated mid-tempo number while on ‘Everytime’ she comes across like John Mellencamp’s rocking little sister. There are hints, too, of Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks in the vocal phrasing. It isn’t all perfect: a rawer, less arranged backing might have worked on ‘Daddy Please Take Me Home’ in particular. The rawer ‘Under The Bullet’ finds her firing on all cylinders while the melody of ‘Don’t Go Waste My Time’ boasts hints of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’. The album ends with a short acapella tune, ‘Crippled Inside’, featuring gospel vocal harmonies and showcasing yet another side to her armoury. A very promising talent indeed.
Key Track: 'Everytime'