The first line of the first song on Eric McGrath’s “My Demo” is “I hope not to offend” and he does just that, he does not offend but he does not inspire either. McGrath presents a collection of skiffle and barbershop style songs with elements of Nick Drake, and “Je N’nen Connais Pas Le Fin”.
He has the classic trained sounding voice technically proficient capable of making pleasant multi part harmonies but struggles with emotion, intensity and believability often overselling the song. On the other hand his classical finger picking guitar is proficient and his lyrics offer moments of brilliance. While the classical elements and piano parts are excellent throughout.
However the stars have aligned on standout tracks “Ripples and Waves” and “Before You Left” as McGrath’s performance is just right especially on the intense “Before You Left” the mix of duelling pianos and shimmering white noise are the perfect base for this lonesome barbershop moment, While “Ripples and Waves” by contrast is a breezy mid tempo summer pop song with excellent 60’s style harmony parts.
My Demo is a mixed bag, it no doubt showcases Eric McGrath’s wide ranging abilities but it also demonstrates, he has overstretched himself. More time spent on fewer songs would have yielded more comprehensive results. None the less a fine effort My Demo will certainly get Eric McGrath noticed.
http://ericmcgrath.bandcamp.com/