There is a restlessness and, somewhat paradoxically, a weariness abroad in Kildare man Pete Fagan's debut solo album. He has been around some time but 2014's well-received Little Bohemia, which he recorded with Fran King under the monicker the Edisons, showed him maturing into a serious contender.
Many Suits is further evidence and if it tips the hat rather generously to Springsteen et al, equally it displays conviction and flair, helped in no small way by Gavin Glass's bright, inventive production and an impressive cast. The nine tracks range from the redemptive gospel folk of the opening Take Me On Down, through the midnight Memphis soul of Everything, the unease of the title track and the muscular Can't Blame You and the resonant melody of the piano ballad Lucky.
His seasoned voice is ideally suited to these reflective songs where the full-throated chorus is forever the apogee. Impressive.
