Irish duo Alpine Skies release their debut album ‘Inspired Conflicts’ this month whose themes of conflict and inspiration carry throughout, shaped by both the internal and external struggles (conflicts) that help shape and guide (inspire). ‘Inspired Conflicts’ became a passion project after the duo’s chance meeting, which initially revolved around the idea of forming a cover band. However, Kevin Homan had no desire to pursue that path, and Darren Farrell hadn’t yet had the opportunity to create original material. This conflict of interest ultimately inspired the launch of Alpine Skies and with that, their debut album, `Inspired Conflicts`.
Opening track ‘Broken’ focuses on the idea of people being so consumed, whether it’s by desire, want, addiction or other, and how this can lead to hurting those they care about the most, without plan or intention. Pulsating synth tones guide us in as a distant vocal rings out before harmonising with a guiding drum cadence. This contemplative offering enjoys some restrained guitar chords with dual vocals that portray a kind of distress or concern. I read that ‘When I Hear Your Name’ captures the overwhelming feeling of knowing someone or something is ‘the one.’ A love song which is fairly upbeat musically, lyrically, and vocally. Inspiringly confident and optimistic.
A shimmering guitar riff leads us into ‘By Your Side’, which appears to be a recognition of an end, the feeling of pursuing something for so long, but realising in time, that it is just not meant to be. A delightfully ruminative listen. ‘Walls’ holds the value of memories at its core. It values, not loss or absence, but the fact that something ever was. It has a rhythmic drumbeat and meditates on those fleeting moments that create permanent memories. It has it`s rockier moments throughout with a strapline of “when the walls come down again” which will have you singing along with.
‘A Long Way,’ touches on resilience after a relationship breakup, finally surfacing and wishing the best for that person. It`s a reflective musing about realising that you are no longer defined by that person but who you are. A song of forgiveness and moving on. Twinkling keys direct us into ‘Breathe,’ which broaches the subject of depression, musing on heartbreaking painful memories which are all associated with this draining and debilitating illness.
‘Blockks,’ reflects life. It builds musically as it evolves with some anthemic glistening guitar hues and an accompanying steady drum pulse. The foot tapping ‘The Passing of Time’ is a kind of introspection on passages of life experiences, relationships, and acquaintances. A quite dreamy composition with lyrics that have an intricate captivating intelligent quick tempo about them. .
‘Half The World,’ addresses kinship and connection with some inspiring and encouraging lines. It`s lifting, positive, melodic, and rhythmic and halts two thirds of the way through where it slows down and becomes much more thoughtful and absorbed for the final third. The concluding track ‘The Rhythms Alive’ kinda empathises that music is always there for you regardless as to what life throws at you, something on which you can always rely. A feel good song and a lovely track to close out on which arrives just in time for brighter days ahead.
Listening to ‘Inspired Conflicts’ you can tell immediately that this is a labour of love from the talented duo of Kevin Homan and Darren Farrell. The choice to avoid the route of becoming a cover band is inspired and they have shared some delightfully melodic songs with lyrics that will maybe make you give them a second listen. Blue eyed Irish soul maybe. Nevertheless, these tracks are well written with faith, conviction and belief and I imagine come from measured observations borne out of considered life experiences.
An album to be played at volume as your driving along and for those balmy hot Summer evenings that hopefully lie ahead.
Rating 8.5/10
