Conviction
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The debut album from the Irish singer-songwriter Tony Tyrrell, the troubadour brings along an all star cast of players for this very mature and diverse listen.
“Enemy Of Love” opens the listen with Tyrrell’s warm, deep vocals in the dreamy climate that benefits from Chanele McGuinness’ pretty pipes, and “Happy Daze” follows with a poetic appeal that recruits precise drums from Jay Dickson and Declan McClafferty’s cozy guitar playing.
In the middle, “Turning Into You” showcases John McCullough’s sublime keys in the intimate album highlight, while “To Know You” makes great use out of Marty Smyth’s strategic bass in the soulful, elegant landscape.
“Slip Away” and “Love On Those Steps” exits the listen, where the former is a bit bouncy, even frisky and dance-able, and the latter brings a bit of haunting quality amid the thumping drums, cryptic guitar and agile keys.
An excellent first time on his own, Tyrrell resides somewhere between folk and modern rock on the softer side of the spectrum, and it will be exciting to hear what this former member of The Afternoons does next.
Travels well with: Matt Simons- Identity Crisis; Fritz Michel- On The Rocks