Ella Mc Swiney says the new single ‘Misty Ireland’ from West Cork band The Shruggs is a raw and thoughtful composition.
From Bandon, The Shruggs, aka duo Kees Hendrickx and James Downing, compose songs both with roots of folk and the bright colours of pop. The band are highly acclaimed for their harmonising and uplighting melodies, pointed by Hot Press Magazine as “rising acts to keep an eye on”.
The Cork band has received much praise, their music described as “Rhythmically pleasing, with Fleet Foxes-like harmonies that are pitch-perfect” by Remy’s Music and Film Blog; Nialler9 says “There’s an undoubted gift for strong melody present” and Dave Simpson from PureMzine review mentions how “The exuberance of the execution will surely put a smile on even the sternest of faces.”
Their latest release ‘Misty Ireland’ is no different. Written in the perspective of an Irish emigrant, the singer is once again in the emerald isle, admiring the county’s beauty and uniqueness perhaps for the last time.
The single is one of the band’s rawest songs, its thoughtful lyrics guide the listener through the singer’s nostalgia, while the sailing instruments enhance its honest tone, as if the emigrant himself is heading towards his home land. Collaborated with The Cornwall Chorus, their united harmonies makes the music swell, deepening its reminiscent atmosphere.
Dedicated to those who are homesick for Ireland, the song is a love letter to the isle and shows how many Irish from the past, present, and future have beloved memories of this small, beautiful, misty island.
The Cork band came together in 2014. Independent, The Shruggs have a collection of covers and songs of their own, with their biggest hit ‘West Cork’ reaching more than 40,000 views on YouTube.
Often collaborating with local and international artists, The Shruggs create songs with catchy lyrics, loyal use of acoustic instruments, and an upbeat yet steady energy that makes it impossible not to tap your foot along too. Their most popular songs range from their recent ‘Last Call’, the humourful ‘Potholes’, cheerful ‘The Ooh Song’, and viral ‘West Cork’.
‘Misty Ireland’ was released on February 4 and can be listened to on Spotify, YouTube, and supported through Bandcamp.
