Brian Deady - Non-Fiction: Ireland has a new soul star in its midst

Brian Deady has been something of a ‘best kept secret’ for the last few years, but if there’s any justice in the world, his second album should set his course directly for stardom.

Sounding more like he was raised in the Deep South than as one of 10 kids in west Cork, his rich, soulful thrum informs these 11 songs with a consistent clarity, depth and versatility.

It helps that these tracks are brilliantly played, written, produced and arranged soul tunes, from the poignant Dad to the finger-clicking Seams and the doo-wop sass of Clap Both My Hands, while the contemporary R&B edge to Silver Moon and Tapes dispels all notions of throwbacks and tributes.

Step aside, pretenders: it seems that Ireland has a new soul star in its midst.