I read that Galway songwriter Michael D’Alton who records under the name Seba Safe had relocated to Lahinch, a small seaside town on the northwest coast of County Clare. This really resonated with me as my father was born in Doonbeg and our family travelled through this town with it`s renowned golf course on our annual visit to The Cliffs of Moher in childhood times.
Seba Safe has a new EP `Rainy` which deals with topics that includes personal relationships, love, loss and change. Therse everyday occurrences are shared musically with a sound that combines elements of pop, folk, indie and R’n’B.
This extended play opens with `On My Way` a personal song for this singer about love and mental health but also deals largely with immigration from Ireland. “I’m from a small town in rural Ireland and I can see my town, and towns like it, getting quieter and left further behind by the masses of young people who choose to leave Ireland for work or travel – many of whom don’t return.” It`s a fast paced almost dream pop offering with gently whispered vocals. The chorus, ‘Oró, Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile’ which translates to ‘welcome home` is delightful touch of irony and hails from a traditional Irish ballad.
We have a brief spoken word segment in `Dream/Interlude` with the sound of children playing in the background.
`Afterlife` is a rumination on loneliness and is a wonderful introspective piece that rolls along with vocals that feel almost rapped at times. There`s a tale of wanting someone you shouldn’t shared in `Oblivion`. A one-sided relationship where the participant knows they are being used but can`t or maybe don`t want to break this destructive cycle. It`s a fairly captivating musical earworm of a track concluding with a charming string arrangement.
Title track `Rainy` according to the artist is “a song about simple and selfish wants. In it I talk about confidence, nostalgia, sex, relationships and progression as a person and artist.” It`s an absorbing rhythmic submission that kind of pull you in. This release closes out with `I Wonder` which is nigh on drum led and rolls along with almost a stream of consciousness with lyrics that address everyday thoughts, fears, hopes, loss and love.
`Rainy` was for me a joyful introduction to another up-and-coming Irish artist who seems to be starting to make waves. He heads out on a few dates this month in his home country and has also five dates dotted around the UK which will be definitely worth making time to attend.
Rating 8 / 10
REVIEW: SEBA SAFE – RAINY EP (2023)
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