SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: NIALL CONNOLLY – THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO SEE

NIALL CONNOLLY
THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO SEE
C.U. RECORDS

It has been three years since Niall Connolly’s last studio album (the brilliant Patience of Trees), and while three years is a bit of time, There’s So Much More to See has been worth the wait. There’s So Much More to See is Connolly’s 10th album since he made his recording debut 25 years ago. It is a brilliant folk-rock album that taps into many different genres, but in the end, it is pure Connolly. Over the years he has developed his writing and his production. The musical arrangements are minimal but so effective.

Born in Cork but based in Brooklyn, NY, Connolly is not a traditional folk artist, but there are hints of Irish music throughout his album. More so in his lyrics. He is part of the new generation of writers, such as Declan O’Rourke and Lankum, that deal head on with melancholy and anger. “Happiness And Pain,” for example, is moving, emotional, and absolutely beautiful. It is arranged perfectly, and some of his finest lyrics. Elsewhere, “Bless Their Hearts” is a very powerful song, in the vein of classic Dylan from the mid-1970s. But, again, Connolly makes it his own, with the bursting guitars and layered sounds.

This album does have happiness and humour as well. “A Joyful Sound” is a future classic. It is a love song that mixes in a great deal of life experiences and spiritual views. Once again, the album hits all emotions, but it is never without hope. The album opens with “I Wish There Was A Way” (he sings “I wish there was a way, we could be nice to each other again.”) and ends with “All We’ve Got Is Time,” which is a very hopeful song.

There’s  So Much More to See is a brilliant album. Connolly is a poet, the lyrics flow throughout the album. He expresses himself eloquently and writes incredible music. The album becomes very familiar the first time you hear it. There’s So Much More to See is a companion album. It is a comforting, warm, moody friend who will sit with you through the hard times and good times. There’s So Much More to See is a work of art and, to my ears, Connolly’s best album.

Artist Links