Ciaran Lavery: Let Bad In review – defying the songwriter stereotype

Defying the “stereotypical singer-songwriter archetype” is no mean feat, but it has become Ciaran Lavery’s modus operandi.

The Antrim native made an impact online with impressive streaming figures for his 2014 debut Not Nearly Dark.

His second is quite one-note in tone and tempo, but fans of Springsteen's low-key, Nebraska-era vibe will fall for the charms of Train and Blood Red Fist.

Elsewhere, Lavery's tenuous, brittle rasp evokes Damien Rice on Okkervil River and the playful electronic bumble of The Show beautifully displays his lyrical abilities.

It’s the title track that steals the show, however, with its ominous hum growing in volume and intensity like a folk song gone askew.

If you can get past the homogeny, there are glints of brilliance here.

ciaranlaverymusic.com