UNSIGNED Evon Brennan is about to become the most sought after signature on the entire Fleadh bill. Quite possibly going barefoot in the park, Ms Brennan is surely the black Irish songstress of somebody's dreams.With a voice at once reminiscent of Sinead O'Connor, Eddi Reader and Joan Armatrading, her soulful Celtic lilt flatters to deceive with aching songs of isolation and the cultural conflict of being 'Black & Irish' Open, honest, profoundly emotional and deeply disturbing tales of abuse and ostracism, her music is gently acoustic but immediately uplifting, based as it is around the voice and accompanied only the most simple and complementary guitar and piano arrangements. Atmospheric, vulnerable, haunting and ultimately reassuring, Evon Brennan wears both her heart and her influences on her sleeve, but by the end of the first song (especially if it's 'Baby Can I") you'll have forgotten about Joni Mitchell and will be thinking only of Evon Brennan and her future as something of a folk-soul sensation.
MEAN FIDDLER. All barefoot appeal and untamed tresses, Evon Brennan, the black Irish songstress captivates yet nurtures with her achingly soulful vocals and Celtic charm. Ballads about ensnared woman and stolen innocence are tempered with the conflict of being 'Black & Irish' Working with emotive yet often disturbing material her lyrics range from parents who shun their Black and Irish granddaughter to those about a girl who is deflowered by a priest. Miraculously her music is saved from the depths of melancholia by rich and lilting vocals and gentle acoustic sounds. Looking for freedom like 'Seagulls at Sea' Brennan's music soars high and is pushed even further by her energetic guitar and piano accompaniments. A self-contained performer, her audience respond to her rather than she to them, but this only heightens the vulnerability and appeal of her delivery. Citing her early influences as Joni Mitchell and Carole King, the hints of these two greats are overpowered by the marrying of folk with a gutsy soulful vocal penetration. Evon Brennan has managed to discard the shackles of convention with an honesty and sincerity not often heard. Savour it!
FIONNBALA LYNCH