What Happens In Cork
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
Listen to What Happens In Cork
The Irish rocker Hank Wedel brings along some excellent help for these 10 tracks that might bring to mind The Lovin’ Spoonful, Grateful Dead or even Richard Thompson.
The warm and harmonic “Poe Park 2am” starts the listen with playful drumming and cozy guitar alongside the rich singing, and “Lonely Tree” follows with a spoken versus singing approach of prettiness and memorable folk qualities.
“The Time We Share” occupies the middle spot and offers intimate songwriting amid the eloquent vocals, while “Alright! Dynamite! Spiro!’ is more rock focused, but also soulful via the spirited guitar and thumping drums.
The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint, either. The former, “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With Me”, is a charming duet with some bluesy touches, and the latter, “(We Are) The Rakes Of Mallow”, uses mature keys and no lack of rhythm, where a bit of grit enters the strings and well timed background vocals.
A really fun record that’s certainly steeped in Irish-Americana, the folk and blues nods won’t go unnoticed or appreciated across this timeless effort.
Travels well with: David Deacon- Four; Anthony Garcia- Acres Of Diamonds