Paddy Nash has been a stalwart of the Irish music scene for many years. Be it solo, or in a band his musical output has been whimsical, honest and socially aware. His latest album, 'Still We Rise' continues that trend and finds the Derry man in top form.
If there’s one thing that Nash does well it is to tap into the feeling of the underdog, or the dreamer. Opening song ‘Al Pacino’ exemplifies the latter while ‘live and Let Live’ highlights the plight of the working class who’s dreams have been shattered and are under pressure just to make a living.
Musically the album combines a singer-songwriter vibe with a melodic 1980’s pop/rock swagger similar to the way that Springsteen did with his 1980’s mega-hits, and just like the writings by the boy from New Jersey, Nash’s lyrics hit home and deliver their message.
Talking full advantage of local colloquialisms ‘The Wains’ is a full blown pop rocker that describes the effect of years of Tory austerity and miss rule by devolved government has had, and continues to have on the upcoming youth of today.
‘More Precious Than Gold’ finds Nash switching towards the environment and in particular a long standing legal battle that has been ongoing for years between local community and mining corporations who’s only desires are profits, none of which will go back into the community.
The title track is a inspiring rally call to let the listener know that no matter how bad things seem, we will get through them. While ‘Lifeline’ appears to be a semi-autobiographical song detailing gowning up in Nash’s native city of Derry during the troubles, and how young adults navigated their way through it
In dark times, it is the musicians and the artists who rise to the occasion with songs of protest and inspiration. Nash delivers both on ‘Still We Rise’ with good humour and in the dangerous and frightening times in which the world finds itself in today, we need more like Paddy Nash.