Ryan O'Reilly & The Raindogs "In the Shadows & The Neon" (Questionable Records 2006)

It'a raining cats and Raindogs in the depths of Hampshire

Ryan and the band have been around for a few years and their debut release recieved excellent reviews (8/10 right here!). O'Reilly has many influences, but on this their second full length record, Ryan Adams's 'Heartbreaker' looms large over the songs and the vocal delivery by this particular Ryan. For this record, recorded in the UK between Aug 2005 and May 2006 O'Reilly is joined by Alan Clarke on bass, Mark Cowling on guitar, Pierre La Goff (assorted guitars) and Simon Beard on keyboards. All songs are composed by O'Reilly , except for one song which was co-written with Tyler Kyte. O'Reilly has a unique vocal which combine brilliantly with harmonica on one of the best songs on the record 'Back of the Old Hotel' - elsewhere he adopts a low-fi appraoch to some of the songs which is a pity because he has real talent which can be heard to the best effect on the up tempo songs. Other highlights are 'Don't Feel Cold' and the opening song 'What Has She Done'. But if you want to hear what separates O'Reilly from the record, check out 'I Haven't Fallen' and the last song 'Are You Sure' - if you like Mojave 3 and Grand Drive there's plenty here to enjoy.

Date review added:  Sunday, September 17, 2006
Reviewer:  Andy Riggs
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  www.myspace.com/ryanoreilly