Review by Jimbo Walsh -
http://www.grumpyrocker.co.uk/liam-dullaghan-making-history-review
For someone who ended up homeless, living in his parents’ garage and
having to sell all his guitars, it is remarkable that Liam Dullaghan has
overcome those hurdles to write his debut solo album
Making History. However, it is those setbacks which are the backdrop to
Making History
and really a huge debt of thanks must go to producer /
multi-instrumentalist Lee Russell, who was the catalyst to Liam writing
music once more.
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has influenced many musicians and the
idea of star crossed lovers entwined to their tragic end sets a clear
tone for the crackling radio opening that is
Radio Verona. Liam’s
gentle yet breathless voice, accompanied by acoustic guitar, are softly
arranged and ease the listener into the album. The underlying strings
have a meandering quality which enhances the melancholy feel of
Radio Verona.
What if We Win begins with a joyousness of guitar and drums
that eventually fades away to stripped back slower vocals, before
returning to that quicker pace. It is almost as if Liam daren’t dream
that he could ever win and that when everything seems to be going well
there is an underlying force that draws him back to downhearted
reflection. Although any sadness is obliterated by the later offering of
Paradise Beach with its roaring strings, pop orientated tone and wistful positiveness.
Having spent so long in America it comes as no surprise that there are hints of Country to many of the tracks on
Making History and especially so with
New Barcelona and
I Fell Through The Night Like a Stone.
New Barcelona in particular being a wonderful fuse of picked out country guitar and Liam’s vocal style.
I’m just Fucked Without You demonstrates that there is no need
to be downbeat, in offering up those moments in life when you are lost
after the break up of a relationship. However, there is something
unsatisfying about Liam’s expression of the phrase "I’m just fucked
without you". There is obviously a huge amount of pain in those five
words, yet that doesn’t quite translate and is almost lost between a
feeling of it needing to be more aggressive or less offensive. This is a
shame and should not be used as stick to beat the rest of the album
with.
The opening reversed recording of title track
Making History mirrors well with opening track
Radio Verona
in structural creation. If it is possible, Liam’s softly spoken vocals
are passionate in their tonality and carry so much emotion, especially
when Liam sings "watch the last train disappear". Closing your eyes and
listening to the phrase "sometimes it feels like we’re making history"
is possibly the album’s eponymous moment
The fact that it has taken Liam three years to craft
Making History
shows the level of commitment, effort and sheer dedication that
deserves a stage on which to sit. Do not listen to this out of sympathy
for Liam Dullaghan, listen to it as a friend listens to you when you
pour your heart out.
