Ross Breen follows October’s acclaimed release of ‘Some Other Time, Maybe’ (RTÉ Radio Recommended list,) with his new single ‘Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght’. Previous singles released include Heather in December (Dec. 2019 – supported by RTÉ Radio 1, Radio Nova, RTÉ 2FM ) and Idyllic Valley (performed on RTÉ television’s The Saturday Night Show, top 30 chart placement, no.1 iTunes Rock chart ). Ross was awarded the title of Ireland’s Best Unsigned Singer-Songwriter by Newstalk’s The Tom Dunne Show, with his song Monet singled out for extensive airplay from over a thousand submissions. He has also consistently impressed on the live stage, earning special guest invitations with acts like Midlake, Bell X1, Damien Dempsey, Sinéad O’ Connor and Oscar-winner Glen Hansard while building a following with his band at a number of Ireland’s premier festivals, including Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, Indiependence, Sea Sessions, Vantastival and Knockanstockan .
‘Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght’ is a glistening Christmas track with an indie edge. This triumphant track has darker fuzzed guitar lines contrasting the bright church bells and shimmering synths as Breen spreads melodious hooks over a tight and richly textured backdrop to create a lush, well crafted new single.With an air of nostalgia, sprinkles of joy and Christmas cheer mixed with darker undertones the track takes us on a musical journey of past Christmases and experience them through a new lens as Breen’s warm vocals drift over the sweet melody. Exuding deft songwriting and a rich vibrant wall of sound ‘Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght’ is a refreshing and dynamic addition to Breen’s emotive musical collection.
Ross offers an insight into his latest song: “I come from a background of family and social life where gatherings with music are intrinsic to the enjoyment of Christmas. For many, music is a tie binding us together during this period. Art can unify when restrictions keep us apart. Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght envisages the close of 2020, how we will be engaging with our families, friends and partners during this time, and how it will be different to what we’ve known before. These lyrics are threaded with references to songs and instrumentals I’ve loved at sessions throughout the years, including obligatory party pieces from my grandparents, parents, sisters, close friends and extended family. I see it as a painting of Christmases gone by, rendering memories through verse and hoping we can all reach a point in the near future where we can once again feel free to experience that sense of warmth, openness and release.”
Stream ‘Mrry Xmas @ 1st Lght’ below
Author : Danu
introducing us to his brand of alternative folk. Multitasking and with slick pedal manoeuvres Breen croons out his original tracks with ease. Even a slight fumble with the harmonica change is effortlessly hummed out until the harmonica is in place. Clearly a comfortable performer, his set is smooth to watch and ridiculously chill yet passionate.
villainous magpie. The peppy track ‘Never Been’ introduces the country twang and foot tapping friendly vibe that keeps her entire set fun and exuberant as she displays her multi instrumental skills with instrument changes from guitar to bouzouki. With the full band behind her it’s a blast of rich warm toasty sound. Vocal blends and harmonies on point and the bluesy soaked ‘Who Are Ye Leavin’ it’s diverse enough to keep the audience swaying and intrigued. From passing pints to the band while introducing songs, to pulling Breen on stage for a stunning duet and belting out ‘Sonny’s Dream’ on a whim and managing to get the audience to sing along, it’s a show that is enjoyable for everyone. The new single ‘Coming Up’ is one of the last songs played and is flawless . Here we have an artist that gives a solid performance effortlessly while adding a relaxed fun atmosphere to the show and believe me that is not an easy thing to achieve. I’ve said before folk isn’t my usual cup of tea but good music is good music and Lisa Loughrey put on a sublime show.