Music from the Heart - Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O'Reilly - The Beautiful Road

Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O'Reilly - The Beautiful Road

Published: 15 January 2024 | Email | Hits: 2131

Musicians Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O'Reilly are proud to announce the release of their second album 'The Beautiful Road', a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover. Following the success of their debut album Tá Go Maith, which was warmly received by Irish audiences after its release in May 2020, Rónán and Myles have been playing numerous shows at home and abroad, showcasing their unique sound to an ever-growing fan-base.

Having written and developed new songs while touring, the duo decamped to a log cabin in Roscommon and a farmhouse in remote West Cork. Recording one song every day, surrounded by countryside and inspired by nature the pair set out to create a soothing listening experience by focusing on higher frequencies, inspired by the calming effects of bird song, wind, rain, and sea. They also sought to counter the increased levels of intrusive ambient "white noise" caused by traffic, machinery, and other unpredictable sounds arising from the worlds post pandemic return to frenzied norms.

Noises that so often overwhelm our ears and inner filters. The result is a collection of songs that experiment with a variety of comforting sonic elements, including bells, breaths, brush-stroked rhythms, halftime beats, and ambient melodies, to create a sonic massage that relaxes the ears and settles the soul.

To accompany different moods and settings, Rónán and Myles carefully selected times and frequencies for each song, considering not only the tune but also the listener's potential physical posture. From head-nodding paces and cheek-to-cheek melodies for seated listeners, to enough swing to keep dancers on the floor and enough room to drift off for those who prefer to unwind by walking or lying down, this album offers a range of sonic experiences for everyone. A musical refuge from the stresses of everyday life.

Speaking about the album, Rónán says “This is a process of encouraging, uncovering, and bringing the best out in each other.”

Myles adds: “Perhaps this analogy explains best my feelings about collaborating with Rónán on this new album.

Their first album already demonstrated uncompromisingly what these two giants of music are capable of. The second offering only solidifies the magic created. It is no ordinary record. It goes beyond just music and words. It is a pure medicine for the soul. Just take the opening track King of The Kingdom, mostly an instrumental piece with an ocassional participation of the choir to add more colour to the track. The impact is there and it stays with you.

The majority of the songs are in the Irish language (as Gaeilge) which many listeners may not be familiar with but these mesmerizing sounds touch the deepest corner of your being so there is no need to understand the words. Just let the tones and the voice speak, guide you to the faraway lands. To the mythical world of fairies, myths and legends. And also, to the inner world of yours and you may make an interesting discovery without intentionally looking for it. Let yourself be carried away, to the point some may even feel the English lyrics even a bit disruptive at times.

This record may have been born from the need of experimenting but it flows smoothly, brings the much needed peace and calm.

O'Reilly and Ó Snodaigh are embarking on an Irish Tour in February 2024, more info can be found here