Album Reviews: The Young Dubliners, The Feeling, Solander

The Young Dubliners. Photo credit: David Safian

By Robert Kinsler

There have been a number of early 2014 releases catching my attention. Here is a roundup of three of my favorite recent LPs worthy of any discerning modern music lover…

Artist: The Young Dubliners

Title: Nine (Young Dubliners)

You might like if you enjoy: The Alarm, the Fenians, the Pogues

Tell me more: No other Southern California-based outfit has continued to carry the torch for Irish music rock as powerfully as The Young Dubliners have since forming in 1988. On the Celtic rock quintet's aptly-titled ninth release Nine (set for release on March 4), singer-guitarist Keith Roberts and company have delivered a masterwork courtesy of their first-ever independent release. From the Alarm-styled anthem "We the Mighty" and cascading rocker "Say Anything" to the thrilling Celtic-flavored instrumental "Abhainn Mor" and gorgeous Irish ballad "Rain" with its acoustic guitar and mandolin textures, Nine is an album that will ring true on St. Patrick's Day and every other day of the year. Information: YoungDubliners.com.

Artist: The Feeling

Title: Boy Cried Wolf  (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Coldplay, Keane, Travis

Tell me more: The Feeling's fourth full-length album Boy Cried Wolf finds the five-member British troupe continuing to mine new territory, playing everything from piano- and guitar-anchored ballads to decidedly heavier material. Highlights include the hard-edged melodic rocker "Fall Like Rain", the infectious Britpop-styled "Rescue," the sweeping "Blue Murder" and ambitious Blur-meets-Oasis rocker "Boy Cried Wolf." While The Feeling isn't as well known in the U.S. as in its native England, discerning listeners in America will patently love The Feeling's rapturous sound. Information: TheFeeling.com.

Purchase 'Boy Cried Wolf' here

Artist: Solander

Title: Monochromatic Memories (A Tendervision Recording)

You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Color Theory, Sigur Rós

Tell me more: The perfect fusion of artful electronica, indie Americana and heartfelt folk-rock, Sweden-based Solander's Monochromatic Memories boasts an immersive experience across its fast-moving 10-track run. While the disc features textures and sounds that recall a wide range of artists including Moby, Sigur Rós and Sufjan Stevens, there is the simple fact that each of the songs on Monochromatic Memories is embedded with a richness and authenticity that shines on its own. The haunting "The Woods Are Gone," intoxicating "All Opportunities" and glorious "Black Rug," the latter with its swirling mix of acoustic guitar and symphonic lushness, are a celebration of both sound and song. Information: www.solander.se. 

Buy "Monochromatic Memories" here

The Young Dubliners set to release 'Nine' on March 4

THE YOUNG DUBLINERS RELEASE NINE ON MARCH 4th 

St. Patty's Day Tour Underway

 

 
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - Celtic rockers The Young Dubliners will release their aptly titled ninth record, Nine, on March 4, 2014 independently. After years on various labels, Nine will mark their first self-release, a decision made possible by the support of their loyal fans.

“We had a few offers but decided we were well overdue to take things into our own hands” says Keith Roberts, lead singer for the band. “After eight albums on various labels its just seemed right to go it alone for once and maintain full creative control.”

However “going it alone” did not mean without financial support and for that they turned to their fans. After only two weeks the band had raised over half the necessary funds to complete the recording, manufacturing and marketing plan for the album. And in February of 2013 they released the single “We The Mighty” to fans as a thank you for their support.

The Young Dubliners are currently on tour in Alaska in February before embarking on their West coast tour leading up to St. Patty’s Day. Following, they will travel with fans to Ireland.

More about The Young Dubliners:
Although the Young Dubliners sound is most commonly called 'Celtic Rock', that label, as labels often can be, is misleading. The Irish influence is there, certainly, but it's not the only influence that rears its head on their albums, or in live shows. After all, several of the band members have no Irish roots of any kind. "That was always the idea", Keith Roberts, lead singer for the band explains. "The sound was always intended to be a hybrid because we all come from different backgrounds. Even though two of us are from Ireland, a lot of the music we listened to growing up wasn't Irish at all, but when we got here, we got homesick and developed a new appreciation for Irish Music. In truth the Celtic riffs can just as easily come from the American band members. Everyone writes now so you never know what you’ll end up with when you start on a new album.”

Nine will mark their first self release after years on various labels. 

Nine Track List

1. We The Mighty
2. Say Anything
3. Up In The Air
4. Rain
5. Seeds of Sorrow
6. Abhainn Mor
7. The Deep
8. Fall
9. One Touch
10. Only You & Me