Ultan Conlon
Album: Songs Of Love So Cruel
Label: DarkSideOut
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.ultanconlon.com

When an album comes through having been part recorded at Sheffield's Yellow Arch Studios and with the name of Richard Hawley bassist Colin Elliot amongst the main credits, it sends out a message that we could be looking at the trademark of quality. The second album from Galway's Ultan Conlon is a lush sounding and stylishly orchestrated collection of songs which show him maturing as a writer and performer and exploring subjects from a more mature perspective.

Much has been made of the album title - a phrase taken from opening track 'In The Mad', a song born from what sounds pretty much as a tribute to Roy Orbison, both musically and lyrically although maybe a bit sugary to gain comparison to the master Hawley. It stood as the impetus that was the spark for a record which explores much richer and bolder instrumentation and arrangements than his previous efforts. 'A Place Of Sanctuary' is a fine example of this self-assured approach as it places his distinctive voice against an ponderous rhythm and washes of vocals before fading out with a bare voice while 'Lonely Avenues' is set against a brisk acoustic guitar with some faint far-off lap steel (courtesy of Hawley band guitarist Shez Sheridan) calling in the distance. The duet with Sabrina Dinan on 'The River Flows & The Woods Creeps' in which a relationship deteriorates, showcase both Ultan's simple guitar/voice combination before some subtle strings appear into the mix. For anyone who might be concerned with being swamped by strings, there are songs on the album like 'Bristlecone Pines ' and 'The Golden Sands' which are less elaborate in their composition, they provide a fine contrast to the more sumptuous arrangements.

To finish off with an re-endorsing name drop, with the likes of Richard Hawley picking up an audience in the ever so slightly retro crooner style yet with quality musicianship, here's another artist who is open for consideration. Remarkable to consider that his first UK dates should follow later this year - keep the eyes peeled.

Mike Ainscoe