A recent release reviewed

JIMMY BEHAN
Days Are What We Live In/Elusive
****

You might think that making an electro-acoustic album that coos sweet nothings into your ear is as easy as putting one foot in front of the other, yet many have come a cropper with that manoeuvre. Simplicity is often the hardest thing of all to craft, so kudos and applause to Carlow-born, Dublin-based Jimmy Behan for this audacious début. Behan's previous work has shown many hints at a masterpiece and Days Are What We Live In is something of a spectacular Rothko in this regard. Superior melodies glisten and shimmer on Granby Row and the title track before fading softly into the background to allow another splash to shine. Nina Hynes's vocals ghost in for Deeper Than Heaven, embellishing Behan's soft, sure control on the pitch and mood. Often dramatic but always alluring.
www.jimmybehan.com
Jim Carroll