Kieran Ryan’s first solo venture following the dissolution of Kid Sam is a more expansive and experimental effort than the mesmerising folk-pop that the cousin duo produced, both in terms of sound and lyrical content.
After announcing the end of Kid Sam in 2010, Ryan spent the next two years writing and recording his self-titled debut, with assistance from The Panics drummer Myles Wootton. Ryan resorted to recording mostly in his own bedroom, apart from a handful of studio sessions.
What was created is a remarkable and intimidatingly impressive release that sounds like it was recorded with a huge production budget, rather than a virtually non-existent one in a bedroom.
‘Red-Eyed Birds’ has already received some love on Triple J, and it’s immediately obvious why. The upbeat, pounding drums provide a constant backbone to the song, complemented by rushed and melodic vocals, and a soaring, infectious chorus.
Combined with lyrics set in the medieval world, the track also introduces the theme of religious cynicism that is present across the record, with the dying protagonist questioning “Where is he now / I’ve sent to him such clear and solemn prayers / Why doesn’t he come forward if he’s really there?”.
‘The Stage’ is similarly experimental, with fuzzy guitars, thumping drums, and throbbing bass creating a wall of sound, before breaking out into a coherent whole, joined by lyrics intertwining the story of a young preacher child, and the death of a fan at the infamous 1969 Rolling Stones concert.
It’s something that probably shouldn’t work, but with Ryan’s brilliant vocals and obviously versatile songwriting, it’s hard to deny that it does.
‘Building A Snowman’ is an eight minute epic that slowly ebbs and flows, while ‘Are You A Conspirator’ is infectiously catchy with an undeniable chorus that allows Ryan’s voice to shine.
‘Out Of Africa’ typifies this expansive sound, with breezy, plucked acoustic guitar awash with cello, drums, and Ryan’s deep and powerful vocals. Complementing this, the lyrics centre on the rather intimidating theme of the evolution of humankind, beginning with the line “A match was lit in nothingness / And it set off a spark / Throwing light and rock and ice”.
Just like the album as a whole, it’s ambitious on a huge scale, it’s atmospheric, it’s intriguing, and Kieran Ryan somehow makes it all work.
