Chris Mc Lernon

Brian Forbes: The Graveyeard Shift review. Breakdown #4 by Chris Mc Lernon Local singer songwriter Chris McLernon has just released his fourth album aptly titled "Breakdown #4." Auld Tombstone has been a big fan of Chris's music since first hearing his "Restless Ramblin' Man" album and this latest effort is not only equal to that excellent album but actually is even better. There isn't a weak track out of the ten beauts on "Breakdown #4" and it's fair to say that Chris has evolved his style and substance into one of the best singer songwriters writing in Ireland today. It's easy to hear musical influences like Steve Earle in the dark tale "From The Gallows High" and the opening track "Ghost Around This Town" reminded me a little of Slaid Cleaves (high praise but fully deserved -trust me). This album is also a slight departure for Chris in that bluegrass instrumentation features in tracks like "Cannonball Line" and "Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid." Nothing feels forced on this album as it drifts neatly and skilfully from folk into country and, on occasion, morphing seamlessly into bluegrass with real quality pickin' throughout by multi instrumentalist Troy Engle. If ,like me, you love the music of John Prine, Guy Clark and Steve Earle then Chris McLernon should be on your musical radar. It's a musical travesty that he remains a hidden treasure but go digging and you'll be rewarded with quality tunes that sparkle and shine. Go buy "Breakdown #4" on the link below and marvel in the songwriting talent that is Chris McLernan. Tell him auld Tombstone sent ye and stay classy buckaroos! Chris Mc Lernon RESTLESS RAMBLIN' MAN Restless Ramblin' Man offers another 12 original tracks from this talented songwriter. It no doubt reflects the influences of artists like John Prine, Steve Earle and Kris Kristofferson but Chris has his own unique style and writing ability that delivers an album that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best.

Derry, UK