SOTD #11 // Padraig Whelan: 'Rolling Stock'

17 February 2010, 17:00 | Written by Rich Thane

(Tracks)

Slowing the pace down today. TLOBF Club Night shenanigans last night mean I’m a touch more tender than usual. A perfect time then, to introduce you to the wonderful sounds of Mr Padraig Shannon Whelan. A Yorshireman living in London who previously released solo material under his shortened name Pat Whelan, as well as with old backing band The Samanas. I hadn’t heard from Padraig for a couple of years – last I’d seen of him was at 2008′s Wireless Festival where he performed as a guest on the Bella Union stage. He impressed at the time and on the odd occasion I still re-visit his only release to date, that being Stand Up Pat Whelan EP from 2006. It was only a couple of days ago in fact that he emailed me out of the blue with a bunch of new demos he’d been working on that – I’m guessing – will ultimately shape into a full length album. Here’s hoping anyway.

‘Rolling Stock’, the track we’re offering today is a blissful six minute showcase of refined musicianship. As much as it pains to pigeon-hole, fans of The Clientele or Josh Rouse will revel in the smooth-hushed tones of Padraig’s voice. Softly sung over a backdrop of chugging double bass, brushed drums, tender Wurlitzer piano and muted horns – hell there’s even a sample of a thunder storm and a steam train to add ‘atmospherics’. Perfect for a fuzzy head such as mine is today. One to watch.

mp3:> Padraig Whelan: “Rolling Stock”

Head over to Padraig’s MySpace for more new material.