Performing under the alias Mulveye, Irish-born musician Eamonn Mulvey has spent the last few years gigging in the London area. Mulveye released a debut EP in 2019 with artist Franc Cinelli, and has since turned his attention to his first full-length project. His 2021 album Let The Mask Slip offers his insightful worldview in an alt-songwriter package and is, in his own words, “not a perverse Covid reaction . . . More a nod to my own delayed creative output (i.e 30-something) and finally feeling ready to reveal something of myself through ‘art’.“
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
The album opens with the rock-based All The Trimmings And All The Trappings, giving us a comprehensive introductory taste of Mulveye’s sound and style. There’s a distinctly literary feel to his writing, immediately delivering lines and lyrics that contribute to complex stories. This track has a bit of a progressive feel, each section distinctly different than the last (something we’ll see time and again in this project). There is energy, complexity, and intention on display here – a successful introduction indeed.
Rubik Cube Complex showcases a more subdued side to Mulveye’s work, almost Americana-esque at the start. Through each of its individual sections, softer tones and production prevail – until the very end, where the track picks up into something resembling more straight-ahead rock out of a very soft breakdown. This is complete with layers of complementary guitar riffs and an increasing tempo that reflects the message in the lyrics quite well – the snowball effect is most definitely reminiscent of a panic attack.
Energy abounds on Hurry on Home, and Mulveye’s MGMT influence is on clear display. The doubled vocals transition seamlessly into a compelling harmony in the hook, and the melody stands as one of the catchiest on the album.
We also love Be The One I Wanted for its hypnotic layers of guitar parts, and The Meet Cute for its shrewd criticism of one of Hollywood’s most overdone tropes.
OUR FAVORITE TRACK…
Near the end of this album, we find Slowly Losing My Mind. A relaxed beat but not without energy, this track has a great build and features plenty of smart production choices to accentuate it – rich harmonies, complex guitar riffs, and an ever-sunnier disposition to counter the fairly somber subject matter. This track also features some of Mulveye’s strongest lyric work on this project, a high note appearing around 2:20:
“The last time I cried was listening to Owen Meany die as I was flying over the sea,
Making friends in fiction feeds a happy addiction until dramatic exits from a Shakespeare tragedy”
IN CONCLUSION…
Astute lyricism, perceptive production, and expressive musicality. Let The Mask Slip is explorative and bold – Mulveye is unafraid to experiment with wide ranges of styles, rhythms, and sonic textures to bring his art to life. Fans of Mulveye’s influences – Sparks, Talking Heads, and the like – will undoubtedly find that these introspective songs resonate with them. Take a listen for yourself and stream Let The Mask Slip below.
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BELOW: Listen to Let The Mask Slip and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Mulveye by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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