It's always interesting to see what the outstanding Declan O'Rourke will produce next. It can be difficult to predict as he can turn his creativity in many directions. This time we find him in stripped-down mode working with no less than Paul Weller as producer. A bold choice for the seventh album from someone who has built a well-deserved reputation for himself based on an instantly recognisable voice, tasteful accompaniment, and songwriting of the highest order.
O’Rourke’s work has rightly been acknowledged with a healthy sprinkling of awards and recognition by artists such as John Prine, James Taylor and Eddi Reader.
‘Arrivals’ features ten heartfelt, moving, original compositions. The subject matter ranges from personal to political although one of the great strengths in his writing is in making these concepts merge and overlap as they do in real life. He moves from tales of ‘Zeus and Apollo’ to modern-day Olympians and many other points in between.
The production, as might be expected, is superb. Declan’s voice is beautifully captured; a rare mix of passion and control. While the work is sparse, there are lovely splashes of violin and, in particular, cello. And a sneaky saxophone right at the end.
It’s difficult to do justice to the breadth and depth of O’Rourke’s songwriting. He has the ability to paint pictures and take you to the places he sees – ‘The Stars Over Kinvara’ being a fine example of this. It’s a song about bringing his newborn son home to south County Galway, blending family history and landscape.
‘Convict Ways’ deals with darker material; the last convict ship to sail to Australia. The influence of living on the west coast of Ireland between Clare and Galway seems to impact on the work in songs such as ‘Painters Light’ and ‘The Harbour’. ‘Andy Sells Coke’ reflects upon a harsher more urban reality in a chilling way, while ‘Have You Not Heard The War Is Over’ is a modern protest song, beguiling but making a strong point.
All in all, ‘Arrivals’ is a first-class work that will rightly add to this fine artist’s reputation and standing. Great well-crafted songs about serious matters of life and finally in the last song, ‘This Thing That We Share’, death.
Highly recommended.