Singer songwriter Adam O’Rua first appeared on this blog last year as part of Jane’s Ireland round up. She was struck by the uniqueness of his sound so when his EP came across my virtual desk, I was keen to give it a listen.
By Graeme Smith
THE GARDEN is a collection heavily inspired by Adam’s time in Brazil, so you can expect a lot of sunshine from it. Couple that with the traditional Irish folk on which he was raised, and you end up with quite the intoxicating mix.
Much like his debut release, EVA, this EP spends a lot of time on the character of “Eva” who Adam describes as his “eternal muse.” The titular “garden” refers to the biblical garden of Eden. While Adam and his real-life lover Eva’s name fit nicely its story, THE GARDEN is a love story that also explores wider femineity and delivers the message that true love will always find itself.
It starts, appropriately enough, with Number 1. It’s a soft and reflective track, opening with some isolated guitar before a pleasing bass beat comes in. It’s vibrant pop at its best, perfect for any summer playlist, and beautifully emotional thanks to Adam’s soulful vocals.
Eva’s Song comes next, providing a highlight thanks to its catchy dance rhythm and intimate style. Its lyrics are visceral and honest as they describe the rough and tumble of true romance, and its nod-inducing chorus gives Ed Sheeran a run for his money.
Maybe is a slow and delicate moment while title track The Garden gives us some beautiful imagery. Idwl wraps up the EP with a soft and laidback vignette that’s rich with atmospheric ambiance.
Adam O’Rua is the kind of artist that takes bright pop sensibilities and brings them to life through genuine emotion and autobiographical storytelling. He’s that rarest of things in the pop world – an artist doing it all for the love of it, with plenty of heartfelt passion to boot. Fiercely independent, Adam writes and produces all his own music, as well as designing his artwork and booking his own tour (from which he has recently returned). His new EP is the perfect introduction to his love-filled world.
THE GARDEN is out now and you can check it out below.
