Zenith Café/Membran [Release date 22.04.22]
Belfast born singer songwriter Gareth Dunlop may only be on this, his second, solo album but he has found success with his songs featuring on TV series including ‘Lucifer’, ‘Best of Me’, along with adverts for the likes of Disney. If that wasn’t enough he has produced albums for Foy Vance and Lee Rogers.
As Dunlop stated “a great piece of advice I once received was to ‘write like no-one will ever hear it.’ It tricks my brain into being more honest with myself than I normally would.” This has led to ‘Animal’ being a very honest and personal work.
It comes as no surprise that the catchy refrain of ‘Look Back Smiling’ has been released as a single. It has that insitent melody that makes it a song you want to keep hearing. ‘Sorrow’ was another single. It is soothing musically, albeit with a reflective and thoughtful lyric. One for the focus playlists that streaming services love to promote and that is meant as a complement, as it seems these playlists often pave the wave for an up & coming artrists success.
Elsewhere, ‘Headlights’ is reminiscent of latter day Snow Patrol, whilst ‘Right About Ready’ is one of the albums more upbeat moments. Sophisticated pop with a modern feel and appeal.
Classy music and you can see why he is demand from other artists. Music that uplifting and we all need that at the moment. ***1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
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