Wayne Brennan- Album Review In My Hands
If you’re looking for a bit of feel-good music then Wayne Brennan’s your main man. The inner sleeve of his debut album In My Hands says so itself. It invites you in with three warm words: “Happiness is inside”. Who wouldn’t say no to be a bit of happiness?
Wayne doesn’t disappoint. His opening track ‘Slow the pace down’ asks the listener to stop and “take a look at yourself”. Once you do this he ups the pace and hits you with a nice pick-me-up with ‘Green Green Grass’. He opens up every bit of his soul for all to see in this album. The honesty and vulnerability of his lyrics cannot but affect the listener. He addresses universal themes of love, life death and faith.
The Offaly born singer-songwriter left home at the age of eighteen to travel the world with his guitar at hand. By the sound of his playing Wayne’s instrument of choice clearly never left his sight during this time. Not only has he honed his guitar skills to perfection, he’s acquired the knowledge and love of several genres which flavor this album with the authentic diversity it deserves. The tracks are placed in such a way that Wayne has no sooner built up momentum before he slows the pace down again. He keeps the listener grounded and doesn’t deliver happiness in an obvious sense. He endorses the message of self-reflection to ‘Make you Smile’.
His track ‘Peace in your Mind’ stands out from the crowd. Wayne allows himself 5.48 minutes to truly explore and express his innate ability and the friendship he shares with his guitar. The tone, technique and overt talent make it a truly remarkable piece of music. The end of the track speeds up and pushes the boundaries of the instrument. It reminds the listener of Rodrigo y Gabriela while still endorsing the Brennan brand.
Wayne Brennan’s definitely got talent but it’s his ability to affiliate this talent with a type of philosophical soulness that makes him special. He was selected as one of the Top 10 Rising Stars of 2009 and it’s easy to see why.
Favorite Track: ‘Peace in your Mind’ (Just wish there was more of it!)
Rating: 8/10
