Almost a year on from his Plec Pick accolade, David Keenan has released his third and final offering of 2018 – a year which saw him reap more success and reward than imagined. He has stirred up an excitement in so many small venues and festival tents from every corner of the country and beyond.

‘Evidence Of Living’ is his first vinyl release, a milestone for any artist who values them in the way they should – nothing could be more rewarding than holding a hard-copy of your dreams in your hand.

Aside from this feat, this EP is Keenan’s third release from 2018 alone. The ‘Strip Me Bare’ volumes were solo endeavours from earlier this year, beautifully crafted and subject to glowing reviews.

‘Evidence Of Living’ is more of a collaborative than anything he has given us before. LemonCello, Gareth Quinn Redmond and Junior Brother, among others, lend their many talents across the four tracks.

With this backing and support, Keenan takes new inspiration and relaxes in to a new depth of creativity.

The title track is one that some may be familiar with, having stumbled across Other Voices’ recording of it from Electric Picnic. Just short of seven minutes, the gentle piano, whispered imagery and mournful vocals truly speak for themselves and for “every kid whose dreams died in fifth class.”

Two Kids, released as a single with a video in December, tells a wonderfully delicate tale of growing up. A duet with Laura Quirke, it calls to memory a perfect balance akin to The Swell Season and Raising Sand.

The only track recorded in London, Keep The Peace, Prepare For War, is Keenan on his own, confessing the bliss, fragility and strain within relationships.

Two worlds collide in Postcards From Catalonia, as Keenan weaves constant connections between the old and the new through the recognisable reality and memorable idealism. Calling on his fondness for repetition at the end, he signs off ever committed to his unmistakable Irish identity.

From the monochrome bare chest and solitary side profile of the ‘Strip Me Bare’ volumes, to the warm, creative collective of this EP – ‘Evidence Of Living’ is a splash of colour in a grey-scale back catalogue.