Limerick new wave four piece His Father's Voice deliver a stunning debut album Black Poison Morning on streaming services and vinyl.
Album: Black Poison Morning
Band: His Father's Voice
Released: September 6 2024
Limerick's His Father's Voice make no secrets of their lyrical predilections. As vocalist and guitarist Ash O'Connor says in our album podcast (linked below), "lyrically it's purposefully quite dark with obnoxiously dark titles." You know where you stand.
The band released their debut album Black Poison Morning via Blowtorch Records on Spetember 6. Comprising Ash, lead guitarist James Reidy, and a rhythm section of Laya Meabhdh Kenny on bass and Cian McGuirk on drums, they offset those dark lyrics and edgy instrumentation with soaring pop melodies and epic crescendos.
When her vocals are set against unsettling, gothic subject matter it creates an at times disturbing and tense dynamic which grips the listener.
What works in the band's favour is that Ash has a piercingly sweet voice, capable of hitting some remarkably high registers, and also a knack for unconventional, non linear melodies. When her vocals are set against unsettling, gothic subject matter it creates an at times unsettling and tense dynamic which grips the listener.
In this vein Night Terrors and Through The Thorns are dark and claustrophobic; the band are also well able to deliver beautiful pop songs such as Breathless and the New Order-esque Arm's Length. And if anyone is looking to for music to encapsulate the journey of grief, anger and soul soaring resolution, then album closer Emotional Embargo is up there with the finest.
The band comments: "The album title was inspired by a quote from Kevin Barry's short story Across the Rooftops. The story sits in hesitance and awkwardness, delivered with familiar phrasing within such a similar setting to that of our own. For us, this totally resonated with the challenges the album grapples with and tries to grow and learn from."
They are very rooted in a supportive Limerick community and engage with fellow bands, artists and designers. The album was recorded and mixed by Micheál Keating and co-produced by Micheál and the band in The Den, Co. Limerick. Mastered by Dan Coutant. Artwork Laya Meabhdh Kenny and Hugh Heffernan
Listen to our album deep dive podcast with Ash and James from the band here:
The album is available on black vinyl in a gatefold sleeve here:
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