Early Bright
THL, 2020
8/10
Even if you don’t recognize the name Seamus Egan, most of us have heard his work already as he soundtracked The Brothers McMullen and also co-wrote Sarah MacLachlan’s hit “I Will Remember You”.
With this new album, the multi-instrumentalist- now dealing with his band Solas on hiatus and a move rural Vermont- delivers an entirely instrumental record where his Irish roots are very much intact as classical influences are also in attendance.
The title track starts the listen key focused and atmospheric while setting the mood for the listen, and “6 Then 5” follows with sublime banjo plucking from Egan in the highly rhythmic affair that comes with Americana sensibilities.
Elsewhere, “B Bump Bounce” moves swiftly and playfully with dynamic interaction between the guitar and banjo, while “Everything Always Was” finds the listen settling into calmer waters of reflective beauty where an organ adds much to the landscape. “Tournesol”, one of the most interesting pieces present, then leads with a whistle/woodwind, in the nature-esque landscape that really draws from Egan’s Irish upbringing.
Closer to the end, “52 Hertz” flows with a meditative quality and dreaminess that’s tinged with introspection, and “Under The Chestnut Tree” ends the listen with orchestral strings from The Fretless String Quartet supporting the sublime guitar melody, ultimately complementing the sophisticated and emotive exit
It’s Egan’s first solo album in 23 years, and he leaves an indelible mark with his pensive melodies and bluegrass nods, where names like Bach as well as modern artists like Philip Glass come to mind in his unique vision of intimacy and elegance.
Travels well with: Moira Smiley- Unzip The Horizon; The Fretless- Bird’s Nest