Description:
'........musicianship of the highest quality, this debut album confirms he is one Irishman to look out for.'
Hotpress Magazine - Ireland
McDonnell is a natural at crafting catchy folk-rock songs with stories that linger as long as the hooks.
Bill O' Neill - Cape Cod Times
Irishman Noelie McDonnell Crafts a less traditional sound on his self-titled debut. and instead opts for more contemporary, roots-rock
fare. Kicking of with the spirited 'Stars' where the guitar and harmonica meet in a joyful fit. McDonnell reminds of a cross between Ryan Adams and the counting crow's Adam Duritz. The lovely 'New York City' brings some heart felt folkiness to the mix, with McDonnell's slight accent adding to the sincerity of the track. The catchy ' want
to go' finds a swift melody and hangs on tight, leading into the hypnotic, 'Belly of the earth' giving off a Dave Matthew's band vibe, albeit with vocals straight outta Galway instead of Virginia,
impressive from the first note, McDonnell is an artist to watch!
Free Time -Rochester - New York
'..... If you want to listen to someone who's gonna be more well-known in the future; check out this guy, you might just like what you hear!'
Ska, Punk & other junk, New york
When reviewing Noelie McDonnell's demo in these pages last year, I described the Galway singer-songwriter as a hybrid of John Prine,
Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. The arrival of his debut album only confirms that he is all that and, indeed, far more than the sum of his
influences.
With not a drawl nor a y'all in sight, he picks his way delicately through a dozen robust originals, all tastefully blending elements of
outdoor rock, pop, folk and country, and all delivered in his warm, expressive and unaffected voice.
Aided and abetted by a bunch of fine local musicians, McDonnell comes across as the real deal, making happy marriages of the catchiest
melodies and home-grown lyrics better than any matchmaker.
On the uptempo 'Stars' the reggae-fied 'Walkin' On' and 'New York City' he shoots straight from the heart. 'What Am I To Do', replete with his wailing harmonica, shows great vocal maturity and confidence.
'Want To Go' sambas in before settling into a fine rockin groove, and there's a mountain of heartache in 'Easy On Me' and in the brilliant
'Steal A Rhythm'.
The laid-back 'Roundstone' is reminiscent of Ger Wolfe and John Spillane, and it's a true gem, decorated with Gert Nungesser's weeping
steel guitar. The excellent 'Marrakech' will bring the people involved in tourism in Donegal out in hives, and if 'Belly Of The Earth' goes off-message a little, this is a debut to be taken seriously.
Despite the country and westernisation of Ireland, we have yet to produce an alt.country act to bother the US market. If there's any justice, we've just found one. 8/10
Jackie Hayden, Hotpress Magazine, Ireland
"With folk music entertaining a possible resurgence thanks to Nizlopi, Here's an artist with the potential to follow suit. Making this a
double A-Side is a smart move by a smart guy, with 'Marrakech' being a tune you'd bring out for a good old (possibly drunken) sing-song.
'Belly of the earth', on the other hand, reveals a more sombre an passionate element to Noelie, and might be played to accompany the bad
kind of drinking. It's a solid offering, and his imminent seven date irish tour should prove it's full worth"
Hotpress, double Aside single review, Ireland
"Appealing forthright delivery and a passionate exuberance to his song
writing Not a dull moment ."
Album preview
The Evening Herald Ireland
" ........This is an album full of treasures.."
"Those who have seen Noelie's live shows will readily recognize that 'Marrakech' is the song with which he is most identified. In one of
the most beautiful compositions I've heard for many years ..If Noelie can convert the live euphoria this creates into radio plays then its
surely has a hit single on his hands. It's worth the price of admission alone!"
Album preview
Galway Advertiser, Ireland
' ..a song that Johnny Cash might of worked his magic on. Given that's now an impossible dream we can get by with McDonnell's own version. Roll on the album .'
Hotpress , July 2005
