REVIEW: ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’ by Irish Duo, The Winter Codes
If you’re a fan of The Undertones, then we have just the band for you. The Winter Codes, an Irish duo comprised of two expert musicians in David Walshe, and Blood or Whiskey founder, Barney Murray – they’re here with their new album, ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’, which was released on August 1st. Filled with traditional Irish folk and the highest quality of musical ability, ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’ is not one you want to miss.
Ahead of this release, The Winter Codes decided to release a single to give fans an insight into what they’ve been cooking up with ‘Too Sly To Die’. The single delivered a great song that was enough to leave fans on the edge of their seats – with great music and lyrics that are sung by the most fitting vocals, it was a sign that the best was yet to come from the duo.
First impressions of the album certainly live up to the expectations that the single set. Kicking ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’ off is ‘North Circular Road’, a song that sets the standard for the rest of the album with its storytelling lyrics, quick drums and awesome guitars which is right at home with the Irish folk feel. With a plethora of songs that that follow this same formula such as ‘Friend in Tullamore’ and ‘Erin’s Lovely Lee’, it’s a show of consistency in quality that we don’t often see in music nowadays. Although they that formula, they’re also capable of keeping the music feel fresh, with various approaches to their songs on the ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’ with songs such as ‘Thirty Years of Tears’, an acapella song that feels right at home with Irish folk. And also with their lead single, ‘Too Sly To Die’, where a rough edge and a punk-like anthemic chorus bring the song to life, they demonstrate a versatility that is earned through musical genius and expertise.
While their own talent is more than enough to produce an album of a high standard, for this they decided to recruit some of the best talent around in bringing ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’ to life. With singer Lisa Loughrey, Daithi Meila from Irish/bluegrass band Jig Jam, and engineer Sean Montgomery this album had absolutely everything it needed to deliver on quality the single promised, and to help deliver music from the genius behind The Winter Codes. With ‘Set The Darkness Reeling’ out now, it’s there to be heard and there is no way you will be disappointed.