It comes by way of his confident acoustic guitar playing but also in his vocal ability, which he uses to get to the point quickly and powerfully.
Building on the promise of 2015 EP Screaming Man, McMeeken adopts a variety of styles, from the country textures of My Kin, the piano and pathos of That Feeling, to the bass-driven groove and widescreen electric guitars of Invisible.
He also knows when to pull back, Don’t Give Your Heart To Me relying largely on spare guitar and vocals (at least until the singalong chorus).
• Ciaran McMeeken. Self-titled. Independent.
• Four stars (out of five)
Single download: Invisible
For those who like: Damien Rice
— Shane Gilchrist
