Stefan Murphy is a man who knows about the hardships of being a musician.
The Dubliner’s ups and downs have been plentiful, but his defiant attitude pays dividends on his fourth album, recorded in Los Angeles with noted producer Alain Johannes. Murphy’s gruff quiver, with shades of Nick Cave and Bono, is tempered by soul and passion.
Backed by a fine band, his rootsy brand of rock is given new life on the raucous, celebratory Everybody Needs a Grave, while Stella, Vampire and Hold Me Tight are melodic and radio-friendly without compromising on integrity.
Momentum begins to falter slightly towards the end, but the hearty stomp of these richly toned, ragged rock’n’roll tunes is mostly stirring throughout.
