Fionn Regan
The Shadow Of An Empire
Release Date: Feb 8, 2010
Genre(s): Rock, Alternative, Folk, Singer-Songwriter
Record label: Heavenly
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Album Review: The Shadow Of An Empire by Fionn Regan
Excellent, Based on 2 Critics
Based on rating 4/5
Fionn Regan composed the lyrics to this album on a typewriter, and has noted that the "percussive nature of typing" influenced the phrasing. Despite his tendency to sing in rat-a-tat bursts, "percussive" isn't the first word that comes to mind when listening. What you do notice are the fresh, striking lyrics ("glasses" is rhymed with "Mr Onassis", and Regan wishes he were "your coathook, your pearl-grey fedora") and the electric guitars.
Opinion: Excellent
A brilliantly bold, robust work, showcasing real development. James Skinner 2010 2006’s The End of History established Fionn Regan as one of the finest singer-songwriters to emerge in recent years, splicing dextrously plucked acoustic guitars with literary allusions to captivating ends. A frank, genuinely heart-warming listen, Regan likened its gestation to “building an ocean liner with a butter knife,” a statement borne out by the intricate songcraft and sheer attention to detail throughout.