Finnian - Under The Influence Album Review

 

Finnian is a singer songwriter from Dundalk, Co. Louth. The singer has been building his fanbase for many years on the Irish and European scene. He has toured extensively and supported the wonderful David Keenan on many occasions. He released his debut single Even Flow in March 2019 and followed up with two more singles Where We Go and I Don't Want To Fall In Love. All three songs were taken from his debut album Under The Influence which was recorded in Dundalk at Black Mountain Studios. The album came to fruition thanks to Finnian's Fundit campaign which saw the very popular artist greatly exceed the amount he was asking for. The album was released on July 24th and more recently pressed to vinyl. 

The album kicks off with the single Where We Go which is a chilled out track with positive vibes, a delightful brass section and some beautiful guitar playing. Stay is a jazz soaked offering featuring Jess Kav and Booka Brass which again emits a relaxing vibe whilst Finnian's vocals have a very comforting quality. Debut single Even Flow is up next and continues the impressive journey that Finnian is taking you on. The addition of the extra vocals from Stephanie Winters just furthers the soothing nature of the album. Don't Want To See You Go showcases the vocal range of Finnian as he goes from low and husky to hitting the high notes seemingly effortlessly. Having myself spent many hours sitting outside the Spirit Store next to the fishing boats that he sings about  gives this song a little bit of extra personal enjoyment. Out Of Sight introduces a beautiful piano and organ sound to the mix and finds Finnian in a more downbeat but hopeful mood.

Fly brings a much bigger sound with booming drums and a majestic piano. The departure of the slower jazz like sound marks a turning point in the album and shows that Finnian has more than one trick up his sleeve. This theme continues with Lifted Up which could pass as gospel music with it's huge triumphant joyful sound. This is brilliant. The Devil In The Flashing Lights again features Booka Brass and is utterly funktastic. Whilst listening to this, I'm involuntarily tapping my feet, nodding my head and banging the table with my finger simultaneously. I challenge you to sit still during this, it's impossible. The album comes to a close with I Don't Want To Fall In Love which lowers the energy levels slightly but continues the brilliance. 

From start to finish Under The Influence is utterly impressive. The first half of the album is relaxing and soothing whilst the second half is much funkier and upbeat but both combine together perfectly to create this incredible debut album. It's obvious that when it comes to fundraising, Finnian will have no problem getting the money together for the next album and based on this one, I'm already throwing my money at him.

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