Let’s be honest straight out of the gate: Gareth doesn’t sound Irish. What he does sound like is a modern country-pop artist with a seriously classy voice and an instinctive feel for melody. And that’s meant entirely as a compliment.
Back in May, when Gareth opened for Kip Moore, it was obvious he wasn’t just passing through. The songs landed, the confidence was there, and the polish felt effortless. Gareth is going places.
“Born Yesterday” opens things up in slick, contemporary fashion—radio-ready but never hollow. “Stampede” follows with more of the same: a chorus that sticks instantly and a guitar solo that adds real class rather than clutter. If you like country, it’s borderline impossible not to enjoy this.
“Shoulders I Stand On” is superbly done, and while the sound leans Nashville, the roots are still clear. Gareth knows exactly where he comes from and wears it with pride. He now lives in Nashville, and the confidence of someone who belongs there runs through every note.
“Look What Your Love Has Done To Me”, a duet with Joss Stone, is a first-dance song waiting to happen—tender, warm, and beautifully judged. “Long Story Short” brings a little more energy, telling a familiar tale of star-crossed lovers with just enough momentum to lift it.
“Bluebird” might be the standout. Everything about it feels perfect—polished, assured, and unapologetically beautiful. And yes, it’s meant to be exactly that.
The EP closes with “Iris”, the sole non co-write here and a cover of a Goo Goo Dolls classic. If you can’t improve on perfection, you put your own stamp on it—and Gareth does just that.
Born in Castlederg, raised on George Jones and Hank Williams Jr., and propelled forward by a viral take on Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season”, this feels like a natural next step rather than a breakthrough out of nowhere.
Rating 8/10
