Q.U.I.E.T. - Somnambulist
From the sleeping remnants of Armoured Bear, Anthony Noonan emerges from musical hibernation with a new project, Q.U.I.E.T. The past number of years has seen the Clonakilty native recording, performing and touring with a variety of artists such as UK folk legend Roy Harper, Bill Shanley, The West Cork Ukulele Orchestra, Interference & Glen Hansard and Dog Tail Soup.
A feature of many Cork artists’ rhythm section, Anthony Noonan has previously been seen drumming for the likes of Ian Whitty & the Exchange, Fred, Mick Flannery, Lerner, FirBeag & Gavin Moore to name a few.
Releasing a first album of his own music in 2003, the follow-up second album in 2008, ‘Honeycomb Moons’, garnered some favourable national airplay and attention in the press. TV features on The Last Broadcast with Dave Fanning, and The View with John Kelly, coupled with live appearances at Electric Picnic solidified this album as one
of the best in 2008 with it featuring in Paul McLoone’s top 100 releases of the year. The following period saw Anthony focus more on his drumming career. With appearances on Other Voices, to supporting Glen Hansard in Radio City Music Hall, New York as drummer for Irish legends Interference, Anthony left song writing behind, until now. Stepping back into the world of creating his own music, 2023 sees Anthony return with a whole set of new songs live shows and a new album, all under the moniker Q.U.I.E.T.
In the world full of stress and anxiety we all appreciate the beauty more than ever. And this album is one of the things that make you pause, relax and get lost in the sounds and words. It opens with ambient sounds of "Terrible Wrong". The seemingly gentle piece quickly turns into catchy drums-driven composition. The warm vocals carry an intimate feel which inspires the listener to dive deeper into this collection .
Weather was released as the first taste of this new collection. Delicate, atmospheric, mimicking the sound of rain in places, this is truly intriguing track to introduce the new body of work with. The lyrics "I am lost in a dream, my mind is awake while my body is asleep" paint a vivid picture and somewhat present a snapshot of the creative mind as such.
Float summs up what this release is about. Soft consoling vocals that heal all the troubles and an arrangement that literally hugs you and doesn't let go till the end.
The album was named Featured album on Roddie Cleere's Irish Music Show on KCLR. Intimate and powerful, this album is an open invitation into the life of multi-talented artist who has just kicked off a brand new exciting journey.