ALBUM REVIEW: CONAL MONTGOMERY Shows The World He Is “Happy Being Free”

CONAL MONTGOMERY, front-man for Northern Irish bands such as Sweet Leaf and StillWater, strikes out on his own with his solo album “Happy Being Free”. He is very open about the subject matter of the album, battling the rock and roll journey of an alcohol fueled lifestyle. This is his ode of breaking free and coming out the other side. You can read a bit of his story online at The Down Recorder

But is this album, his opus, good enough to stand on its own? Definitely.

Opening track “The Angel and The Demon” is a wonderful, melancholy wistful tune with a folk rock sound overlaid with Conal’s powerfully infused soaring vocals. His vocals just cry out the struggle of listening to either the angel or the demon sitting on your shoulder. It has a beautifully wispy Celtic undertone that enthralls you to listen not just to the music or the vocals but to every word.

Next is “Venus” with a beautiful meandering feel reminiscent of REM, even Conal’s vocals has that clear Michael Stipe ambiance that is entrancing and otherworldly. Indeed if REM and Led Zepplin were to collaborate and perform a song, it would be this one.

“All Of The People” kicks in with a fast folk rock pace with acoustic guitar, accordion and Bodhran. The guitar solo is just a joy to listen to and the catchy rhythms throughout just keep you glued to the very end.

A slow mouth organ infused track comes next with “Forever In Your Debt”. This is a definite kick back, close your eyes and drift off into the storytelling of Conal’s magnificent lyrical journey. His vocals are melancholically exquisite and pitch perfect. The rhythm and pace just reach that emotionally vulnerable spot as this bitter sweet track meanders on its journey down a river of reflective memories.

“Living With The Reaper” not is a fantastic psychedelic imbued track, but the slow rock sound and Conal’s vocals is pure Ozzy at his reflective best. The tone, sound and entrancing flow just kicks it out of the park as the slow quiet parts are punctuated with some real hard rock licks.

Then comes “Haunting Me” has a more folk indie feel with undertones of hard rock rhythms. Conal just delivers a fantastic experience with this track that has so many catchy rhythms and riffs. All still with that thoughtful folk sensation.

“Silent Transmission” delivers that rocking acoustic sound along with keyboards providing a dreamy experience. Once more Conal’s ragged soulful vocals deliver his very personal lyrics with passion and depth.

Title track “Happy Being Free” maintains that reflective melachonic tone but feels so much more upbeat, almost providing that relief when released from a claustrophobic experience. This is a track with a wonderful dual vocal delivery that has that feel as if he is riding nonchalantly away from a place of pure chaos. The clouds have finally broken and he is heading home. A beautiful track.

Finally comes “Lessons We Have Learned”, the last track that perfectly finishes of the album in a gorgeous feelgood way that is still tinged with sadness and regret.

Overall, Conal Montgomery delivers an incredible soul searching and very personal solo album that lays bare his struggles, his emotions and his soul. It is not what he is usually known for and you will be very pleasantly surprised at this perfectly paced album. The raw emotion that comes through in each song is far from subtle, and does not lightly dance around a difficult subject – it hits it head on. And it has a positive message throughout that you can come through adversity and out the other side.

“Happy being Free” is an album that deserves to be listened to over and over again. The album was recorded on a 20 track portastudio by Conal’s friend, Aran Lewis and in his home studio has the credit for producing and mixing the album.

Definitely one to add to your album collection and stick it on when you just feel so ground down you really need that bit of inspiration to get through to the other side. Absolutely superb.

The album is being officially launched on 22 February in Denvirs Coaching Inn, Downpatrick. Tickets available now.