Barry Ronan

• Barry Ronan - vocals
• Payl Barrett - programming and arrangements for Fairlight CMI.
• Don Harris - drums & percussion

Bio:

'File Under Rock' says the cover of his debut LP but this is synthpop. The entire music is produced using only the Fairlight Computer Music Instrument, played by Paul Barrett (Metropolis, Midnight Well; he also wrote the sparkling synthpop theme for RTE's Bosco). According to the credits there are no other instruments present apart from drums and percussion, played by Don Harris (Metropolis, Peggy's Leg). Occasional glimpses of acoustic rhythm guitar are presumbly produced using the Fairlight. The LP was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin with producer Nicky Ryan.

Barry's Irish language vocals sound incongrous in this setting at first but one soon gets used to it. He's an adequate singer at best, but his vocals are sincere and the melodies undeniably strong and catchy. Don Harris is an excellent drummer but his talents are wasted here and in fact his style doesn't really suit the music well. The album leaves you wondering how the better songs might have fared with wider and more varied instrumentation and better, brighter production. It would also have benefitted from more appropriate cover artwork. This album is definitely worth hearing if you're into 1880s synth pop and but be warned, there are some horrible 1980s drum sounds, and some equally awful synths-as-horns moments.

I know nothing about Barry Ronan apart from the few details included in the uncredited Eastern Bloc bureaucrat sleeve notes:

"This recording represents a unique blending of ancient and modern, of traditional and technological. Barry Ronan, from Cill Rónáin in the Aran Islands, writes and sings in the Irish language, one of the oldest living traditions in the world. His modern musical style is accompanied here by Paul Barrett and Don Harris, both musicians who are exploring the very newest possibilities of contemporary music and musical technology. The Fairlight Computer Musical Instrument, played by Paul Barrett, places the almost limitless potential of digital computer technology at the disposal of the creative musician. Don Harris has played with numerouis bands in Ireland, France, Germany, Scandinavia and Switzerland - where he now lives - and his musical style has always incorporated the most innovative tendancies and techniques. Barry Ronan's music brings all this together in a powerful, rich and authentic manner."

taobh 1
Céard
Ciall
Dóchasach as Grá
Elaine
Ar an Trá Fholamh

taobh 2
Buachaill Feidheartha
Fágáil Árainn
Siar Síis an Bóthar
Ag Dó Beo Beathaíoch
Máirín