‘Dreaming is Allowed’ is the debut album by Irish singer songwriter Sean Mathews which sees him cover contemporary issues as well as exploring timeless Irish traditional story telling.
Out of the eight songs on the record seven are original compositions with the ‘The Workers Song’ composed by Ed Pickford. A strong opener, it quickly establishes Mathews’ socialist credentials as he uses the message of the song to speak up for the common worker and the challenges they have to face every day. That theme continues in ‘The Commuters Song’ which deals with the mental and physical fallout faced by many Irish people after the financial boom and bust years of the so-called Celtic Tiger economy.
Celtic mythology is explored in ‘Beautiful Boann’ as Mathew’s highlights the link between the natural landscape of the Boyne River and an Irish Goddess.
Mathews’ main instrument of choice is a twelve-string guitar. His songs and melodies formed around the richly-delivered chords and structures allow the strings ring out. However, Mathews’ voice is the main instrument on this record. Two acapella songs are a highlight of the collection. Delivered in the fine Irish unaccompanied tradition the positive message of ‘Appreciate Life’ closes the record, while ‘Morrissey and the Russian’ is a classic piece of fiction detailing the events of a mammoth boxing match.
As debut albums go, ‘Dreaming is Allowed’ is a strong release by a singer-songwriter who has clearly worked hard on his style and material. His original compositions show an acute awareness of social issues as well as an understanding of his traditional roots. Definitely an artist worth a listen.