As a child of the 70s with parents who listened to folk songs, I often fall back on that musical orbit. Lately I've been encouraged by the new artists who bridge the gap between traditional folk (even down to some of its bluegrass and blues roots) and rock and roll. With artists like Wes Kirkpatrick, the Indigo Girls and Matt Duke, I'm able to enjoy folk music while not giving in completely to my folkie roots (Yes, it's a minor rebellion, but I'll accept that).
But let me introduce you to Steaćn Hanvey. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he brings a gift for rich arrangements, storytelling, and a voice you want to believe has lived those stories. As I listened to Steaćn Hanvey and the Honeymoon Junkies, I was reminded of other artists such as James Taylor and Donovan as well as more modern folks like David Gray and Matthew Mayfield. His easy style with lyrics and guitar make him seem very genuine. I suspect that if I get a chance to listen to Hanvey live, I'm not going to want the concert to end.
Steaćn Hanvey and the Honeymoon Junkies was released in Europe a while ago, but is just now coming to the U.S. Hanvey has even moved here to focus on building an audience while traveling back and forth to Ireland occasionally. Over the last three years, he's also been working on his sophomore album called Nuclear Family, due out in 2012. But don't let that stop you from checking out Honeymoon Junkies.
What caught my attention while listening to Honeymoon Junkies is the effortless way Hanvey tells his stories and finds just the right musical style to go with it. It starts with a simple rhythmic guitar intro in "Rooms," transitions to the upbeat ballad "My Woman (Ode To You)," moves to the anthem-ish "Love's A Decision," flows through the hard-edged "Desperation," and eventually ends with the James Taylor-ish "Show Me."
As I listened, there were more than a few that I'd have to tag as favorites, the first of which being "Love's a Decision." This one should be required listening at any couple's therapy session. "Love's a decision between you and me/ Not some half-baked scene from a movie screen. . .If you want it to last/ You'd better let go of the past." And I don't know who's singing in the background, but she has an amazing voice that completely complements Hanvey's, along with the anthem guitar riffs and solid bass/drum beat.
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