I haven't heard such a beautiful harmonizing vocal duo since the Nelson brothers.

London, the city I've been living in for almost three years now, can still reveal itself as a magical, surprising and inspirational place, and still be a place where dreams can come true. Upon reading the biography of this amazing duo from Dublin, I've realized I might well have seen these guys before, playing as buskers in front of some banks in Hampstead (the area of the city where I work). I might even have thrown in some coins, which is something I normally do even if they play Polish Polka; I don't mind, music must be supported anyhow.

I've reading they played many gigs in Kilburn, until the band The Magic Numbers recognized the talent of these Irish Simon & Garfunkel-like musicians in a bar and put them at the attention of the people that count, so much so that they would be professionally adopted by famous producer John Reynolds.

'We Rise' is already the second album they've recorded and I have to say I haven't heard such a beautiful harmonizing vocal duo since the Nelson brothers. The main difference is that these guys go backwards and straight to the sixties, to such an extent that The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers and The Byrds can be easily audible in the sonic mix. 'Love & Be Loved' could have made the Wilson brothers so jealous – not to mention S&G themselves – hearing such a dramatic, soulful and pure ode to a feeling that inspired an entire generation, while 'She's Got Love' takes you back in time when four somewhat unattractive blokes from Liverpool ruled the world with two chords and a melody.

Nevertheless, although these bulky comparisons are spread all over the album, (Darren) Morrissey And (Greg) Marshall still claim their own style. The opener 'Cold November Sunrise', for instance, seems to break into an upbeat and Retro-Pop type, revolutionary rhythm & soul rush, whereas with 'Play On' you can just smell the acidic and sharp mood of Oasis in the air. The summer is coming over*, will it be one "of love" or not? These Dubliners have already decided. What about you?

Enrico Navella

(* this review is from Fireworks Magazine #79)