Modern pop punk with an anthemic rock backdrop lights up a series of deeply personal songs – Tipperary’s Pat Donnelly blends the upbeat and intimate, for his powerful new album Reading You Closely.
Beginning with the sheer pace and presence of a relatably evocative Daddy’s Little Princess, Donnelly is quick to connect for his impassioned delivery and lyrical honesty alike. The music is also in keeping with these nostalgic pop punk vocals, but it does lean towards a more arena-ready fullness in my view – something you’d hear within the albums of Goo Goo Dolls or even U2, only at a distinctly faster tempo.
Great songwriting is the key, along with emotional performances, and instrumentals that capture the mood perfectly well. These qualities resound throughout Stay Right Here and Here You Go Again, but soften somewhat for the bass-led contemplation of tracks like Heaven Seems. Diversity works its magic, the songs continuing to unite poetry and personal wonder, as Donnelly accesses the depths of human uncertainty and the search for connection.
Great riffs, great lyrics, interesting and genuine – huge rock productions throughout – Reading You Closely is both fascinating and satisfying as it floods the airwaves at volume.
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