Sweet Freedom are a Kilkenny, Ireland-based five piece band who have recently converted from a covers band to creating originals. With influences from the likes of Eagles, The Beatles and Thin Lizzy, their debut album Divilmint is a likely hit among fans of classic rock.

By Graeme Smith

The album kicks off with Cromwellsfort Road which gives a lively energy and a Paul Simon-esque soundscape. Charismatic vocals are augmented with smooth harmonies while the percussion drives things along. It’s a strong start that provides a warm welcome to the world of Sweet Freedom.

Learn From The Best is a short and wonderous pop rock ballad. It leads seamlessly into the punchy, piano-led folk rock of Boys of Ossory. Say You’ll Be Mine canters along with a mix of romance and anarchy. People You Can Find brims with eerie Vaudeville before Debbie Don’t Go rounds off the first half of the album with some throwback doo-wop.

Fright Train opens the album’s second half in swaggering rock style. Senpai introduces some noodling blues while Can’t Get Away From Your Love is a twinkling twist on the Paul Simon-esque style introduced at the album’s opening. It’s a definite highlight.

New Moon Hunting is a curious mix of ’80s pop ballad and trad folk. Prince of Neverland is a bouncing, storytelling track that wouldn’t feel out of place in the ’70s. Ordinary Girl closes the album with a gentle, pensive moment that builds to a fist-pumping climax.

This debut from Sweet Freedom is such a fun one. With the range of styles and genres on show, there’s something for everyone on it, and the band’s charismatic and charming style means it all hangs together nicely. I’m excited to have discovered them and I hope you will be too.

Divilmint was recorded by Seamus Cullinane at Roseland Studios, Moate, with the exception of Cromwellsfort Road which was created at Windmill Lane. You can give the album a listen below.