Music from the Heart

Sean T MacLeod is a former and founding member of the Dublin based band Cisco. Having recorded with U2's Paul Barrett, the band achieved critical acclaim in their  home country, as well as serious interest abroad. Since the split of the band, Sean has been recording and releasing his own solo work. He is also an author, having published three books on music to date. New Start is his 5th studio album.

We previously reviewed his single Inside Out with the B-side I've Seen You Around  and there we couldn't omit the comparison of MacLeod's sound to the legendary Nirvana. As dark and as thought-provoking as it gets in all deparments. If you listen carefully, you might be surprised (perhaps in a negative way) what kind of world we live in. 

There are brighter elements, often within the lyrics, such as the line "It's time to make a new start" in the title track. Even the arrangement lies on the lighter side of the spectrum. Perhaps the world around us is not as bad as we think? . Yet "the new generation", mentioned in the lyrics, has a lot on their hands. But - doesn't any previous generation think they were different, better, in their point of view, than the younger ones?

In contrast, "Don't Let Them Get to You" carries certain darkness within the music it's composed of, a memorable guitar riff that easily gets into your head. Lyrically, it encourages the listeners not to believe everything they hear, don't take everything personally. We are who we are and the magic lies in the individuality. Don't change just because somebody around you doesn't like the way you live. Everyone is responsible for their own happiness. 

"Let The Light In" changes the dynamic of the album yet again, it stands in the middle in terms of its mood, MacLeod is really showing is vocal abilities here, from the.  high notes to the low ones, the result is both captivating and thought-provoking. Another encouraging message of seeing the positive side of things could be found within the lyrics, reminding us that all the emotions we feel are part of the circle of life yet, as cliché as it may sound, things will always turn out the way they are supposed to and the Sun will rise the next morning again   " sometimes you laugh, sometimes you cry, sometimes you wonder the reasons why...."

"Light Up the Sun" which immediately follows in the tracklist, flows, at least in the opening lines, on a similar feeling before it turns into something heavier in the chorus and back to the opening melancholy right in the next verse.

"light up the dream you have inside"

"The Sweetness" is a dynamic track you could find yourself dancing to.  The only "sweet" we find within are the tones in MacLeod's vocal and the overall message which tells us not to let the bad things in life ruin us. The bitter part is important as well because then we appreciate the sweet one much more. 

"Beautiful Star" is quite experimental with the variety of instruments involved yet the result is convincing and the piano is a tasty element in the composition. Overall, sort of Bowie-esque exploration of sounds. 

"Spirit Free" feels slightly political but depends on the interpretation. Music is about human taste after all, isn't it? However, the track is very direct, more than anything on this album. It sticks with you, leaves a lasting impression. 

"That Devil's Back" presents another case of a song that could be interpreted in various different ways, depending on who's listening. For us, it sounds like a song dealing with either addiction or mental health issues.  And an importance of having someone to face it with, not being alone in the process. 

New Start is a colourful mix of different musical flavours, maintaining the lyrical honesty, demanding attention.