22-year-old Meath native Chris Leonard’s single ‘Kiss in Cali’ has climbed to the Top 10 on the Irish iTunes charts in less than twelve hours since its release, and it’s not hard to see why. The former X-Factor boyband member embraces his roots with this catchy jam, combining poppy beats and lyrics with harmonies and guitar melodies reminiscent of a rousing trad piece.

Leonard, who grew up in the world of Irish tunes thanks to his father, a ballad musician, has also been inspired by artists like Keith Richards, Phil Lynott, Marc Bolan and Shane McGowan. Leonard’s own voice is clear and smooth. By incorporating runs and a wide range of vocal levels into the song, Leonard takes the listener on a bittersweet journey from a relationship’s blissful beginnings to its final, fizzled-out end.

Perhaps the standout moment of ‘Kiss in Cali’ is its musical breakdown in which the traditional guitar takes centre stage. Though this is certainly a departure from the rest of the song, Leonard and his band make the transition into this up-tempo section effortlessly – I couldn’t help but start to dance.

“It's feel-good music that everyone can enjoy,” Leonard told Hot Press in January after his debut gig at Whelan’s. “There is nothing pretentious or overly complicated about it, just good music that makes you want have a good time.”

Leonard is set to release an album later this year, a feat he’s been working on with songwriters and producers Billy Farrell and Darren Holden.

Listen to ‘Kiss in Cali’ below.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0rYSFPZQ82QM2XdovHqRAd?si=0rP9tulTTk6KXVbvNjSi1w