a0408666272_10Making the leap from punk to folk is a bit like going from cage fighting to origami. Stu Daly has lived a previous musical existence as bass players in punk band Chewing On Tinfoil.  It’s not unheard of to make a twist of style similar to what Tony Wright has done with VerseChorusVerse since leaving ASIWYFA. So has Stu Daly become some kind pseudo punk folk genre bending maverick?

Over the past couple of years Daly has been penning these songs with his acoustic guitar and harmonica. The EP  is peppered with influences from Woody Guthrie and in turn Billy Bragg throughout. What separates this from the pack is not only the clever construction and arrangement of the songs, but that indefinable quality known as charm.  Daly has more charm than your average second-hand car salesman.

The first listen to The Landing Light with its harmonica led intro reveals moments that just can’t help but bring cheer to your day. The feel good factor continues on Plaster Of Paris’ tale of enduring love which is a richly constructed song with strings, double bass, piano and backing vocals. Lifers jaunty piano line and cheery melodies display a sunny disposition and an optimism especially in the line “We’re chasing an Irish remake of an American dream”.

Daly brings in mandolin and banjo into Museum a beautifully arranged song about self-doubt and overcoming it. The song combines plaintive vocals with a chorus with full band backing. The contrast of minimalism and fully formed expansive chorus makes it the stand out track on the EP.

Closing the EP is Heirlooms which contains much of the aspects of the previous songs including the theme of optimism and overcoming adversity.  There is much here to illuminate your day and as a result Daly’s future is one which shines brightly.