Fionn Regan – Cala

At times when listening to Fionn Regan, it feels like the music has been beamed in from another age, thanks to his quirky, narrative songwriting. On his new album Cala that feeling hasn't changed.

Following forays into full-band albums, Regan is now back in more acoustic territory, where he sounds best. As such, Cala has more in common with his debut album The End of History than much of his work in-between.

Like The End of History, Cala was written in Bray, a seaside town near Dublin that Regan calls home. It’s clear to hear a connection to his hometown throughout Cala, being instantly noticeable in theme, particularly in Riverside Heights' lyrics: 'The sand dunes and the stars / The moon is a tambourine'. Even the album title is a further nod to the place he hails from, with the word 'cala' being Spanish for 'cove'.

Musically, Cala is a highly atmospheric listen, the kind of album you can immerse yourself in and feel transported to the places and stories Regan sings of. On The Ocean Wave, you can almost hear the sea with the drums at the end reminiscent of a boat’s rhythm as it ploughs through the water, while Regan’s subtle vocals drift in and out sitting just above the ethereal piano and finger-picked guitar melodies.

Clocking in at just 35 minutes and ten songs, it's concise, but its strength is found in its depth rather than its length. With his previous effort, 2017's The Meetings of the Waters, Regan is in his most prolific period yet, and Cala is a beautifully crafted addition to his collection. The record will appeal to those who enjoy soothing melodies and imaginative lyrics, as the Irishman continues to follow his own wonderful path.

Listen To: Riverside Heights, The Ocean Wave