Album Review: Úna Keane - Collaborations

For those unfamiliar with Irish piano virtuoso Úna Keane's work, the gifted contemporary musician has now recorded a collection of pieces from 2019's In the Deep and her 2017 debut album As I Wake, Still I Dream live at Dublin's Pepper Canister Church for followers and new fans alike.

With a little help from some uber-talented friends - Lōwli, Liam Ó'Maonlaí, Stephen Shannon, Gareth Quinn Redmond and Ronán Conroy and mastering from Adam KJ - Keane's magical creations knit together layer after layer of sonic soaring and swelling for an immersive live experience.

Opening with the tranquil sound of birds in an idyllic forest, 'Silvaticus // Sunrise' is a fitting beginning to Collaborations and places the theme of Mother Nature at centre stage. Dreamy lead single 'Hollow' brings the slow tempo of Keane's piano melodies for an elevated and sparse elegance, only introducing elements of violin, Stephen Shannon's arpeggiated electronics or smattered vocals when absolutely necessary. The musician's subtle layering of instruments matched with beautiful yet complex piano composition allow the audience to connect a feeling to each enchanting song. Liam Ó'Maonlaí's vocals and Lōwli's musical prowess add an enriching new dimension to 'Rivers' and 'As the Mood Takes You' respectively.

Despite the fact that the musicians had never played together in a live setting before, Keane's clean piano work and lack of confinement within genre boundaries means that her fellow artists can each make their own beautiful mark on Collaborations. Concluding with 'Seas Ascending', featuring Ronán Conroy's unique organ work, brings the climate back to the forefront and firmly on a pedestal. A live album with an ethereal ambiance, Úna Keane's compositions demand to be heard live.

Listen to: 'As the Mood Takes You'

8.5/10

Collaborations by Úna Keane is out now via Bandcamp.