Ní raibh an scéal amuigh ar Declan Ó Rourke le fada. Réalta rúnda na hÉireann a bhí insa cheoltóir iontach seo go dtí gur thosaigh a chéad albam, “Since Kyabram” ag saothrú léirmheasanna den scoth, ag fás lucht éisteachta idirnáisiúnta, agus ag cothú lucht tacaíochta dílis a bhfuil a leithéidí Paul Weller, Snow patrol agus Kate Rusby ina measc.
Ar eisiúint an albaim in Éirinn, bhain “Since Kyabram” stádas platanam faoi dhó chomh maith le duais na hirise Hot Press ‘Céad Albam is Fearr’. Tháinig conradh mór taifeadta le V2 agus conradh foilsithe le BMG ina dhiaidh sin, chomh maith le comhluadar óna chomhghleacaithe: fuair sé cuirí chun seinm mar thacaíocht do Snow Patrol ag Páirc Mharlaí i mBaile Átha Cliath, Teddy Thompson ar a thuras sa Bhreatain, The Divine Comedy ar dhátaí áirithe sa Ghearmáin agus sa Bhreatain, agus fiú chun seinm ag an chlub clúiteach 100 Club, ar iarratas ó Paul Weller.
Tá an scéal amuigh anois, agus níos mó daoine ag caint i rith ama fán ghuth seo nach bhfuil a mhacasamhail ann, agus a amhráin simplí álainn. Baineann liricí Declan le gnéithe uilig an duine. Díríonn a hamhráin isteach ar ghnáth-mhothúcháin achan lae, agus tarraingíonn a ghuth an éisteoir. Tá draíocht chiúin agus gliceas sa stíl aige a chuireann sonas agus suaimhneas ar lucht éisteachta bíodh siad ina ghrúpa beag bídeach nó ina slua de mhílte.
“Singing in a velvet-tinged bartitone with a killer falsetto….it’s a rare gift that his music can bear comparison with so many classic era troubadours, Fred Neil, Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen while still sounding so completely original” Nigel Williamson, Uncut
Declan O’Rourke used to be one of Ireland’s best kept secrets, but rave reviews for his debut album ‘Since Kyabram’, a growing international fanbase and an enviable collection of eminent devotees, including Paul Weller, Snow Patrol and Kate Rusby, are rapidly changing that.
On its release in Ireland, ‘Since Kyabram’ reached double platinum status and garnered Hot Press magazine’s ‘Best Debut Album’ award. A major record deal with V2 and a publishing deal with BMG followed, as did patronage from his peers – invitations to support Snow Patrol at Marlay Park in Dublin, Teddy Thompson on his British tour, The Divine Comedy for dates in Germany and Britain, and to perform at the legendary 100 Club at the request of Paul Weller.
The buzz is growing, based on the simplicity of great songs and a unique voice. Declan’s lyrics touch on all aspects of the individual, his songs focus on the centre of everyday emotions and his voice irresistibly draws the listener in. He has an understated charm, a quick-wittedness that make him highly endearing live and equally at home playing to one person as he is to thousands.
www.myspace.com/benglovermusic
Admission by ticket only
Tickets £15.00
Doors 7.30pm
