A Shiver In The Sky
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
Originally from Dublin but now living in Philadelphia, troubadour John Byrne has made a lot of thoughtful music in the last 10 years, and that continues on A Shiver In The Sky as he addresses addiction, immigration, and relationships with much eloquence.
“Special Place In Hell” starts the listen with a shuffling place of Americana sounds as Byrne’s smooth vocals guide us on an a musically upbeat affair, and “All In All” follows with acoustic guitars and flowing melodies in a calmer setting with much grace.
Elsewhere, “Just Like You” finds the listen entering rockabilly territory with lively horns, while “Time Ain’t Changed A Thing In This Town” strips the atmosphere bare with banjo picking and rural ideas in the album highlight.
Near the end, “Your Love Is All There Is” glides with a country spirit as strings and lap steel add much to the environment, and “Easy To Get Stuck Here” presents a more orchestral influence in its subdued beauty. “As The Crow Flies” ends the listen with a darker quality of poetic, timeless song craft that parallels the greatness achieved by legends like Waits and Cave.
Byrne has an impressive band along with him, where cello, trombone, flugelhorn, accordion and plenty of other sophisticated noisemakers help flesh out these universally relatable and easily admirable songs.
Travels well with: Tom Waits- Closing Time; Matt Pond PA- Still Summer