Mundy: Strawberry Blood

Jun 21 2009 by Daniel Smith, Sunday Mercury

MUNDY

Strawberry Blood

(Camcor)

wHE was Ireland’s hidden gem until the Live & Confusion set back in 2006 produced the hits that broke him worldwide – Galway Girl and July.

Now folk-pop troubadour Mundy returns with his first studio set in five years, bringing along Shane McGowan, Gemma Hayes and Fergus O’Farrell for the ride.

And what a ride it turns out to be. From hummable indie-pop opener Waiting For The Night to Come to Ian McNabb-like finale Me And My Guitar, every song is a winner, particularly the softly strummed title track.

The McNabb comparison (and they are pals after touring together in the past) pops up again on warm love song Head Over Heels, while Fever has echoes of Neil Young, an inspiration to them both.

January Is Blue does for Spring what July did for summer; The Corn And The Orange Sun leave Richard Ashcroft and Noel Gallagher also-rans, and Love Is A casino is a gruff duet with McGowan.

There’s nothing as immediate as past glories Raining Down Arrows, Gin & Tonic Sky or By Her Side, but this is as close as it gets to pop perfection. PC