Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Freedom is an illusion in our modern day society, only in our thoughts can we truly be at rest from the constant attack on our souls, on our beliefs, and even then the powers that be will always find a way to turn you into a criminal; the thought police, so envisioned by the great George Orwell, are only ever a step away from complete control.
Oh, to Be Free, Like A Bird, to feel nothing for the politics of insanity that drives humanity, the political body and the damage wrought by interference; this is a dream on which we can place our hopes; to create, to live with the liberty of expression and the inventiveness of confident invention.
The sheer talent that comes through on Oisin Hassan’s daringly cool and poetic E.P., Be Free, Like A Bird is immense, aided and produced by the titan-like Robert Vincent and engineered and mixed by the flair endowed Jon Withnall, the four songs that weave their way through the air are brimming with inspiration and fierce train of thought; and yet at all times delivered with a smoothness of piercing calm.
The singer/songwriter captures an air of endowment, as the E.P. flourishes with ease and replicates feeling of contentment and ability, and as the songs, Colours Of The Rain, Let It Rain On Me, Hanging On A Wire, and the title track of Be Free, Like A Bird float effortlessly on the wind, so to does the listener cradle the hope and expectation that the music provides with absolute certainty and depth of character.
Between the harmony of voice provided by Mr. Hassan and the backing vocals of Robert Vincent, a man himself known for his haunting and passionate delivery, and the expertise of the use of acoustic, 12 string and slide guitars, and the elemental precision found in the keyboard work, so the tantalising dream belief of the music becomes infectious and daring, serene and bountiful.
It is with gratitude to the soul that Oisin Hassan’s music has come so far, already a fantastic performer, in this E.P. he solidifies the belief he has found in exceptional quarters surrounding him. Be Free, Like A Bird is an uncaged and uninhibited release.
Ian D. Hall