Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Everyday, whether we are conscious of it or not, we adhere to Rituals, to established practices or long-term traditions that have built up over time; to leave home by a certain time to avoid traffic, to listen to that last favoured song on the radio till its finale so that you ensure a good day, or even wearing a certain item of clothing, a colour that guarantees your endeavour is a success; we all do something that we have come to depend upon that gives our life a structure, a determination, a resolve that comes from deep within us and which materialises in the world around us.
A ritual is the ultimate ceremony of the human condition, and when we find a fresh one that lifts our soul, when the appearance in our lives of a novel thought or sound enters our space, we feel the urgency to listen to it several times in quick succession before moving on, the lingering thought pertains an connects the moment and once more we find the ritual to be expanded, enlarged, and in the hands of an artist such as Niall McCabe, it becomes a loving necessity.
The debut album from the lead of The Niall McCabe Band, Rituals, is a glorious understanding that human endeavour is paramount, the heartfelt insistence that we stride onwards to find a level of passion that catches others in our net, and that we can relate to the custom and good habits that make a reputation gracious and dominant at the same time.
A creativity tied to a series of tales that find peace and existence through Mr. McCabe’s inclusive style of performance and shining inner vocals, and as tracks such as the opener Stonemason, Midas Touch, Tornado, November Swell, and the sublime Little Sister exemplify the beauty of the musician’s style and belief; it is in this new find for many that a ritual of avid interest and collection will spur and lead…and it is one that will be a pleasure to add to the music habit of the routines of the ever enthused fan.
Niall McCabe releases Rituals on February 16th.
Ian D. Hall