Isthmus by Seamus O’Muineachain: Album Review
Musician and composer Seamus O’ Muineachain hails from the West Irish coastal village of Belmullet, to grace this world with his intricate instrumental composition, packed in a 10-piece album, “Isthmus”. Although, the artist has only released 4 tracks, namely “Two Bays”, “Lost Fishermen”, “Mouth of the Isthmus”, and “We Went Beachcombing” up until now, there will be six more releases expected to come.
The first track “Two Bays” gives off a musical revelation, with somber violin sounds, washed over by guitar waves, calmly bringing the song to an end. “Lost Fishermen” is 3 minutes and 5 seconds of ascending piano chords that build up anticipation in someone’s story. I imagine it’s someone who just learned to enjoy the simpler things in life. The third track is quite matching to the album’s title, which begins with softer water waves, and then dips into this orchestra-like theatrics over minimal synths and crashing with distortion. The last released track, “We Went Beachcombing” is a jolly creation that ends all too quickly leaving you feeling incomplete. For me, this minimally composed album brought upon a soiree of feelings, like the washed-up of the sea left on the beach. What’s intriguing is that O’Muineachain expressed that his airy compositions with minimal percussions and explorative synths were all influenced by the rugged nature of his hometown and his regular walks on the seashores. Knowing that “Isthmus” will be released on October 1, 2022, fills me with ecstatic anticipation for future musical adventures from this incredible musician.
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Photo credits: Colin McAndrew
Review by: Audrey Castel