Carol Keogh: Mongrel City

Throughout the past two decades, Carol Keogh has been a member of various Irish bands that in a parallel universe should have have been household names – Plague Monkeys, The Tyco Brahe, and Autamata. Whatever the reasons, she remains a sidelined artist, albeit one with a truly remarkable voice. Mongrel City is her not-before-time debut album, and sees her calling the shots, rather than her voice being used for the benefit of others. Dedicated to the memory of her father, there is clearly a personal element to the album that Keogh alone, perhaps, can tap into. Irrespective of this, exquisite, elegant tracks such as London Song, Grand Parade, Austin City Limits, Raptors and By-the-wind Sailors showcase just how tender and tensile her songwriting is. carolkeogh.ie TONY CLAYTON-LEA