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CORMAC NEESON (The Answer) White Feather Deluxe – review
Third times a charm and good luck have finally prevailed for Cormac with his re-release of White Feather (Deluxe). The long-awaited album has had quite the adventure from its limited run via Pledge music back in 2018. The album was originally due for release in May this year but the official date was postponed until November 2020.
With the release day finally here. I went straight to the bonus tracks and was instantly impressed by the two new recordings: Sometimes You Gotta Make A Change and Blue Beyond the Grey
Imagine the sultry blues guitaring of Gary Moore on I Need Your Love combined with the rocking oomph from Jon Bon Jovi on Please Come Home For Christmas. And there you have it, the perfect blend of the two on Sometimes You Gotta Make A Change. It’s a seductive potion of enriched blues, with the right amount of sassiness to lure you under its spell. This song is something else and could possibly be a door opener to more soulful blues-inspired songs from Cormac.
Neeson proves he’s not ‘All hat and no cattle.’ Taking inspiration and widening his musical horizons whilst recording White Feather in Nashville. Cormac has utilised his newfound freedom on Blue Beyond The Grey. At heart, it is a rock song with a Southern twist. Just like a good Tennessee Whiskey. Infused with Southern gospel charm and a big bouncy blues rhythm section. Neeson gives us a tease of his Texan twang singing ‘rad-e-ooo’ (radio). ‘Y’all raise your drinking glasses now and get stomping those feet.
On first hearing the album, I delved in with open ears, and put my affinities with Cormac’s rock band The Answer to one side. Going solo is a feat in itself. Taking your musical sound in a different direction is a feather in your cap.
When you have gone through the worst of times, it gives you a sense of hope to recognise you can make it over the next hurdles. The title track White Feather tells you just that. Taking his feelings, and newfound hope Neeson has created a positive album of songs that was begotten from a difficult period in the singer songwriter’s life.
From the mesmerising Artefact to the gospel vibes of Oh Son and the anthemic commercial appeal on Do Something Today. Binding them together with his amazing vocals/ harmonies, which are perfectly arranged and welcoming Neeson puts the roll into rock and roll, his voice is captivating. As he offers a variety of styles from raspy, deep, and mellow to full-on high-pitched notes which grab you like an epic guitar solo.
Cormac held a live streaming gig for his album release. Joining him were members of The Unholy Gospel Band and special guests: Amy Montgomery, Siobhan Brown, and Matt McGinn. The show was recorded at Hill House Studios and gave an insightful stirring performance, with Cormac covering the 10 main songs off the album. You can find it here https://youtu.be/-DjfTbWXfYA
Pairing with Social Family Records (Australia) earlier this year, has given Cormac a boost by boarding his audience. White Feather (Deluxe) boasts two brand new tracks and previously unreleased bonus material and is available for the first time to purchase on 180-gram vinyl.
Originally released only as a 10 track limited edition.
The Deluxe Edition is 16 tracks. Including two brand new studio recordings, three bonus tracks and the new radio mix of latest single ‘Do Something Today’.
White Feather Deluxe Edition track listing:
- ** Do Something Today
- ** Don’t Wait Up Broken Wing
- ** Sweet Gentle Love
- Oh Son
- Song That Lives Forever
- Look Down on Me
- Artefact
- Home to Me
- Everywhere but Here (Bonus Track)
- What You Do To Me (Bonus Track)
- Whole Again (Bonus Track)
- Sometimes You Gotta Make A Change (New Recording)
- Blue Beyond the Grey (New Recording)
- Do Something Today (Radio Mix) **
Every single copy of the new deluxe and Vinyl versions ordered through Cormac’s webstore will be personally signed by Cormac as a special thank you to fans for their incredible patience and support – Buy here! https://cormac-neeson-uk.myshopify.com/
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Website: https://www.cormacneeson.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cormacneesonsolo
- £7.99
