aaamusic | On 02, May 2011

Tom Moriarty makes his stamp on the acoustic scene this week with the release of his album Fire in the Doll’s House.

The best thing about the record is undoubtedly Moriarty’s voice: smooth and soulful with a gravely edge, it successfully carries the music. However, whilst his voice seems perfectly suited to this genre of acoustic laments and heart-felt love songs, the mundanity of the music itself conceals his talent. Weaker tracks include Dance With Me and Where Are You Now, both of which are carried by blandness into forget.

The best track is Life’s A Mystery, a feisty tune that will grab your attention and in which the quality of the music finally catches up with his vocal talents. Don’t Ask Why also stands apart from the more insipid numbers with its catchy vocals and charming melody.

There is something about this record that doesn’t quite work; it seems to lack soul and honesty making it difficult to connect with the music. However, through this release Moriarty has established himself as a talented singer and, in some cases, a great songwriter, and I am sure that we can expect better things in the future.

Author: ALICE CUDDY