Bren Berry – In Hope Our Stars Align – Album Review
by Killian Laher

Thirty years or so after the heyday of Dublin band Revelino, Bren Berry is releasing his debut solo album.  It’s a collection of warm, heartfelt melodies and stirring ballads.  Come Alive sets the tone, opening with big, anthemic strident guitars combined with Berry’s honeyed vocals.  The playing throughout is exquisite, the moody Beautiful Losers features guitars that evoke the Cure, while we also get big, rocky guitars on Knives and lyrics about “heavy metal rain”, Neon Lights further into the album is in a similar vein.

The songs can feel a bit same-y at times, the likes of This City and Bullet Proof slide gracefully by without really landing a punch.  But the album really gets into its stride in the latter half with the shimmering guitars of Winter Song and soft, cushioned melody of Hairpin Bends.

The album will appeal to anyone who likes Richard Hawley, or post-2000 Lloyd Cole.  It’s not out to change the world but will provide a welcome slice of comfort to get the discerning listener through the cold early months of the year.

Winter Song