“No one wants to hear about good luck; they’d rather hear about my mistakes and unrequited love,” sings Liam O’Kane on the title track, and opener, to this debut album. Fear not, though. This isn’t another of those insipid, chart-bothering singer/songwriters. O’Kane plays acoustic ska that, on this demonstration, should have people speaking about him in the same sentences as his Canadian counterpart, Chris Murray.
‘Happy Days Sad Songs’ does have its share of forlorn moments (well, the title gives that away, right?), but there’s more to it than that. There’s a charm that usurps any sense of whining, and the honest, I’m-not-all-that-great-but-it’s-alright mentality proves appealing rather than sickly. O’Kane is just another guy trying to fend off the world, and his tales of success and failure manage to raise more than a few smiles across these 12 tracks.
Sound wise, this is more than just Jimmy The Squirrel unplugged. Stripped down and lyrically-focused, this solo material doesn’t have the up beat, organ sound of O’Kane’s ‘day job’ outfit. It’s much simpler, a base of acoustic twangs littered with accompanying instrumentation. Harmonicas, melodicas and trumpets all add to the musical texture.
The same influences are on display though. “Rude Boy Stop There” has a Bedouin Soundclash feel to it, whilst “Get It Right” and “Politeness Is Free” hint at The King Blues, particularly the ukulele infused latter. “Taxi Man” (a lovely comedic-yet-very true number) sounds like it hatched from the same egg as SB6 guitarist Ben Child’s solo demo (for those that have dug that one out). All of it’s parcelled up in ska strokes that tend to be subdued rather than hectic, a gentle and mellow influence.
If there’s a gripe to be had of ‘Happy Days Sad Songs’ it’s that maybe it’s one or two songs too long. Then, saying that, it’s a toughie to pick which songs you’d remove. Overall, it’s an enjoyable dose of ska music for those late-night, don’t-annoy-the-neighbours type parties, or a quiet pub. We’re always harking on about the heaps of acoustic acts around at the moment, but Liam O’Kane is another one making his way to the top of the heap. More than worthy of your attention.
Alex