Dermot Kennedy first fell onto my radar when I stumbled across his haunting rendition of Frank Ocean’s Swim Good in a playlist of covers on Spotify. A few weeks later his NPR Tiny Desk Concert appeared in my YouTube suggestions; from the first note I was hooked. Harmonizing with the gospel choir of backing singers, the acoustic version of Moments Passed is incredibly raw, and beautifully so.
With powerhouse vocals reminiscent of Rag’n’Bone Man, complemented by beautifully crafted Sheeran-esque lyrics and occasionally mixed with dramatic beats fit for a song by The Weeknd; Kennedy is a mash-up of styles, bringing something unique that makes for an unbelievable listening experience. In his 2018 EP Mike Dean Presents: Dermot Kennedy, a collaboration with long-time Kanye West producer Mike Dean, he seamlessly combines his typical acoustic folk sound with deep electronic beats.
Beginning his career busking in the streets of Dublin and Boston, Kennedy now has over eight million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. His debut album, Without Fear, is Kennedy at his best thus far. Having spent the past four years experimenting with meshing genres of pop, folk and hip-hop, his debut is a showcase of Kennedy’s talent. He creates a sound that is extraordinarily captivating and engaging through his raw and pleading vocals, his Irish lilt just about noticeable as he sings.
The album begins with a remastered version of An Evening I Will Not Forget that tells us of Kennedy’s grief for a relationship from his past. The lyrics read like poetry and are exceptionally personal and authentic. Throughout the length of the album Kennedy wears his heart on his sleeve, open with his emotions and honest in his confessions.
As we make our way through the track list, Kennedy presents us with everything a debut should be; beautiful enough in parts to make for a great album but imperfect enough in others for us to know that this is only the beginning for Kennedy. He’s still learning, still honing in on his craft and style, and he can only grow from here onwards. Personal favourites from the track listing include The Corner, Rome and Without Fear.
ABOUT THE RECORD:
Release date: October 4, 2019
Label: Island Records