Live at The Ivory Sessions is Irish country rock act Lorcan O’Rourke‘s latest release, giving us storytelling and energy in equal measure.

By Graeme Smith

Inspired by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Travelling Wilburys, and The Eagles, Lorcan O’Rourke is uniquely placed to combine their classic Americana with his own Irish charm.

His new EP Live at The Ivory Sessions sees him team up with a four-piece band and together they give us a glimpse of what we can expect from one of his live performances. The recording takes us as close to live as possible, with no multiple takes or layering.

It consists of four covers – When it Rains It Pours and 1, 2, Many by Luke Combs, Broken Halos by Chris Stapleton, and Travellin Soldier by The Dixie Chicks. Together, they show us the range that Lorcan has to offer, taking us on a journey through anthemic country rock to delicate folk.

Lorcan’s vocals provide a powerful centrepiece to it all, full of expression and swagger. They’re backed by some atmospheric instrumental arrangements and rich backing vocals, and as a listener I couldn’t help but be drawn in from the first few bars. 1, 2 Many proves a particularly lively highlight in a collection where there are no real lowlights.

This covers EP proves Lorcan’s ability to perform live but what about his song writing? He’s promising us another EP including original compositions following this one, so we’ll see.

Live at The Ivory Sessions was mixed and mastered by Mark Cahill. Performing on it are Lorcan O’Rourke on lead vocals and guitar, Davey Maguire on drums, Stephen Gallagher on bass, Mark Cahill on piano and Ciaran Sheeran on guitar and backing vocals. Travelling Soldier features fiddle by Cathal Guinan. The EP is out now and you can check it out below.

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