David Keenan is set to release his debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ tomorrow, Friday 10th January. Keenan has self-released several EPs and singles, opened for Hozier all over the UK and Europe and had a week-long residency at The Irish Arts Center in New York. ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ was recorded in a week of live-in-room spontaneity at the Hellfire Studios in the Dublin Mountains overlooking the city. Known for his intensity, lyrically rich and powerful tracks Keenan delivers a debut album like no other.
‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ dives deep into conflicting emotions with relentless stamina while it’s tender moments and witty quips soothe and brings joy in the most unusual ways. Keenan’s sublime melodies and intriguing instrumental arrangements allow all to enjoy his rich musicianship. ‘James Dean’ kick starts the experience. The Sean-nós style vocals maintains Keenan’s unique appeal as he ornaments his melodies and holds his own with little accompaniment. ‘Unholy Ghosts’ is a refreshing vibrant ditty filled with lively instrumentation as the animated sway and catchy chorus boasts traditional Irish charm with a contemporary twist. ‘Alter Wine’ is the pinnacle moment of the album. Intense, fermenting and luring with a hint of innocence throughout – it’s exceptionally crafted and masterfully written. That sublime string melody both builds tension and laments with a sweet weeping quality through the sticky beat, delicate keys and pining guitar. The vocals articulate disdain, lust, passion and anger all while delivering the most striking and epic expression in the album with confidence and poetic depth. ‘Love In A Snug’ has the task of following its powerful emotive predecessor. Taking this duty in its stride the song tenderly broods to start with simple accompaniment before building superbly into a sing-along anthem.
The characters within his tracks have been everyone at one time or another as Keenan narrates his stories with flawless commitment. The piano accompanied ‘Tin Pan Alley’ portrays this superbly. The piano twinkles and elegantly laments with warmer tones flickering throughout. Each track is just as lulling as it is powerful, the soft brooding intros lead the way to compelling choruses.Every track on the album takes its time, some gliding past the 6 minute mark. Keenan allows them to flourish as they wish. ‘Eastern Nights’ stripped back presentation is a time stopping moment within the album as the guitar backing delicately glimmers behind Keenan’s striking vocals. ’Origin Of The World’ is a slow burner with a sparse almost haunting backdrop as it builds to its vibrant crescendo. The enigmatic thud of ‘Good Old Days’ swirls with themes of reality and poverty. Mourning strings layer the track in a nostalgic tone as Keenan’s poetic view looks at the past with a modern perspective .
Keenan fleshes out his emotive songwriting with ‘The Healing’ – a sprightly number which is twisted within its seams as Keenan weaves compelling arrangements with dramatic strings. It’s a joy to listen to. The potent ‘Subliminal Dublinia’ brings the album to a close. Starting at a strolling pace the track flickers with warm guitar as strings and piano are added into the mix. Keenan’s expressive vocal delivery is powerful within this track with the resounding line “occupy the city with original ideas” echoing the tracks end leaving a thought provoking impression.
‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ is a powerful thought provoking album. Keenan looks at the world through the eyes of his characters creating songs of nostalgia with honest moments and emotive chills as he builds and crafts his music with a maturity and majestic quality that is to be admired.
‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ is out tomorrow Friday 10th January
Watch the video for ‘Altar Wine’ below
Author : Danu
