Hailing from Inishowen in North Donegal, Luke McGuinness comes from a fishing and seafaring background. Much of his life was spent working with his hands — from long stints at sea to helping out on the family oyster farm. That grounding in physical work and reflection runs through his music: tactile, thoughtful, and rooted in real experience.
‘Far Out Woo-woo’ was recorded over two years at Blast Furnace Studios in Derry with producer Rory Donaghy. The 12-track record draws on more than a decade of song writing — a mix of old and new that’s emotionally rich and sonically playful.
Not one to be pigeon holed McGuinness’s songs and music vary in style and range from the funky groove of ‘Chickenwing’ to the folk rock sound of the hard hitting social commentary of ‘Fake News’ and ‘Lookin’ for Jesus’.
Ably assisted by Producer Rory Donaghy McGuiness has created a sound on ‘Far Out Woo-woo’ that is earthy and uncluttered, allowing all the music to shine and McGuiness’s confident vocal to come to the fore.
Highlighting the depth of the both the music and the lyrics, ‘The Idea of Idea of You’ with it’s brass section is reminiscent of ‘Into the Music’ era Van Morrison, while ‘Ode to Maelenn’ present a fine example of McGuinness’s ability to write a memorable ballad.
Previously part of Spring Tides, a raucous six-piece folk outfit, it is no surprise that McGuinness has an ear for music and the ability to write strong engaging songs. As a debut release he knocks it out of the park with ‘Far Out Woo-woo’, and with any luck has a bright future ahead of him.