"I don't remember looking for music- it came to me" Cavan singer/songwriter Lisa O' Neill recalled in an interview while doing press for her recently released second album 'Same Cloth Or Not'. Her memories of writing music go as far back as age seven, when the then budding musician would hide early creative attempts due to embarrassment. Later, during her college years music finally became her full-time vocation while holding down day jobs in the service industry. Her idiosyncratic voice and grass roots writing approach soon brought O' Neill to the attention of members of the indie elite like Glen Hansard and Damien Rice. Her 2009 debut 'Has An Album' was received well but never truly made it above ground.
'The Same Cloth Or Not' just might change that. Rightly or wrongly, the already abundant sea of Irish guitar based singer/songwriters puts anything new from the genre at risk of being lost in the shuffle that is of course until you hear Lisa's voice. The initial pre-judgments of quirky for quirkiness sake and cliqued terms like 'vocal marmite' are dispelled by a second listen to the album. While adjusting to her vocal tone and accent takes a certain amount of ear-retuning, it is worth the effort as it is the vehicle that draws us into O'Neill's imagination. The resonance of the lyrics "I don't see my baby near often enough" on 'England Has My Man' is bound to strike a chord with the masses that are missing a loved one working away from home. Her idea that England doesn't know how lucky it is, coupled with tender guitar plucks displays a heart- breaking innocence and dark melancholy. Meanwhile 'Coward's Corner's' combination of blues and country work well with a catchy chorus that stitches the genres together.
However, it is the quieter acoustic moments where O' Neill seems most at home. Tracks like 'Dreaming', 'Darkest Winter' and 'Nellie Song' all illustrate a lyrical wisdom and maturity well beyond her years. Her knack for exploring the complexity of love and loss in a very simple way is a gift in itself. At first the mysterious 'Come Sit Sing' sounds as though it may have been composed on a misty grey mountain top somewhere in rural Ireland but quickly evolves into a trad inspired drinking song. It is a clear stand out on this accomplished collection.
'Same Cloth Or Not' as with many great albums takes more than a couple of listens to truly appreciate. If you allow the music to marinate for long enough, it will eventually seep in and get under your skin. Lisa O' Neill is the new folk heroine to watch out for in 2014.
Review by Karen Lawler
