Darren Hanlon - ButterflyBones

Mon 28th Feb, 2011 in Music Reviews

With a pen in his pocket, an acoustic guitar strapped to his back and a swag bag full of whimsy, Darren Hanlon comes prepared and poised to charm listeners with his latest EP, Butterfly Bones. The third single from his fourth studio album the “mature” record, I Will Love You At All, sees the prolific and consistent songwriter and quirky poet at his most entertaining, original and honest self.

The title track kicks off the release with a lilting beat that veers off into bouncy territory and is a partially acoustic ode to an easily broken girl. It is not many songwriters (save Regina Spektor perhaps) that can sing about arm hairs standing up like exclamation marks and still make it sound tender and poignant.

Cloudy Mind is a sing along that would have done the Man In Black proud. I Waited for The 17 meanwhile, is a catchy, standout little ditty that is so good it could’ve been the lead song (or single or album track). Through plenty of fun and frivolity, we’re served a narrative about an intrepid and persevering traveller and his run-ins with a phantom bus.

In short, Butterfly Bones manages to get the equation just right with its mix of candour; cheery and relatable experiences; greater meaning; and light-heartened humour.