Keeling good

A good hook is often the key to an audi- ence’s heart, and Cork band Briars’ new single ‘Even Keel’ has all that, and much more.

The song, which was recorded in Monique Studios here in Cork, is the group’s second single and follows their well-received ‘There There’.

Brighter in tone and theme than their first release, ‘Even Keel’ is a nod to the follies of relationships and the impact that they can have on us.

Briars are a brand new Irish alternative folk act with a sound which transcends traditional notions while still sounding authentically Irish.

At its core, Briars consists of two main writers, Michael Grace and Paul O’Shea, who are then joined both in studio and for live performances by some of Ireland’s finest musicians, often from contrasting backgrounds and styles.

Drums, bass and keys/organ lay the foundation of the sound, sitting underneath an acoustic guitar, which is sometimes switched out for bouzouki or mandolin, taking a step in the direction of the accompanying melody instruments, such as fiddle, flute and whistle.

Briars’ second single, ‘Even Keel’ was released on 1 July through Cork city-based productions company and record label Unemployable Records and is available on all usual platforms.