by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: The Patched Hats
Album: "Steppin' Large and Laughin' Easy"
Year produced: 2005

Mostly guitar and bodhran mixed with a lot of energy and an almost hypnotic, lyrical sound, The Patched Hats play like madmen and sing like saints. This CD would add to anyone's collection a little bit o' happiness.

Right out of the gate, track 1, "Go Down You Murderers" jams hard and blasts with an amazingly full sound for so few players and instruments. Followed right up with a gorgeous ballad-style song, by the then you are hooked hard on these guys. There is something very sincere about the delivery of the words sung here on this CD that is special. As a matter of fact, I liked the sound of his voice so much that I actually would have prefered no insturmental tracks! It is like having a David Gray for Irish music lovers--who would have thought?

The bass sound of the bodhran and hand drum aren't toned down or watered down here, which gives the feeling that you are hearing the music live if you close your eyes. Pretty dang impressive for a band that made up their name on the spot when they were asked after playing in the small town of Doolin one day . . .

In all seriousness, this is one superb CD. If you love a great voice, get ready to hear just that--and more. Since these guys are fairly new on the scene together, it will be really interesting to see what they come up with next!

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at www.moonbeamdigital.com.

Labels: cd_review_2006

Posted by Marc Gunn, Friday, August 11, 2006.
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