Long Balconies – A Lazarus Soul

2019 was a strong year for Irish Albums. Along with Fontaines DC’s debut album Dogrel, (which we will definitely cover in the future), we had The D they put between the R & L. This was the fourth album by A Lazarus Soul but the first time they came to my notice. The album got rave reviews and they played a string of sold-out shows.

Brian Branigan is the heart of the band. Nicknamed Lazarus by his mother because of two severe childhood illnesses, he uses music to give voice to many of the oppressed of his native Dublin. This particular song is about social housing and the gentrification of Dublin. Full of traditional and modern references, A Lazarus Soul is another example of the big Irish crossover scene between folk music, pop and hip-hop sensibilities.

A mishmash that, judged on the ingredients, could have been terrible but somehow really works. But I guess when you think about it, Woody Guthrie, Christy Moore and Chuck D have always had a lot in common. The album may be a little bit of an acquired taste but embrace it, and like me, you might just find yourself returning to it again and again.

​- Collie