“Hello Forever” opens with a flute-like melody, setting an epic, Celtic-inspired atmosphere. The vocals enhance this ethereal vibe, especially when harmonized with the female background singer. The rhythmic guitar strumming adds warmth and depth to the sound. Meanwhile, “Everybody Got Crazy in Them” ignites with a scorching lead guitar riff, instantly grabbing attention and setting the stage for an electrifying experience.
Eoin Shannon’s latest album, Hello Forever, is a beautifully crafted folk experience that seamlessly blends Celtic influences with modern folk sensibilities. Based in Cork, Ireland, Shannon delivers an album rich in storytelling, atmospheric instrumentation, and evocative vocals. Produced by Larry Magee, with additional musical contributions from Andrei Sorokin on Dark November, this album presents an intricate fusion of tradition and innovation.
A Journey Through Hello Forever
The album kicks off with I’d Have Grabbed You a Chair, an introduction that immediately sets the tone. With delicate fingerpicked guitar and a haunting Irish vocal, the song draws the listener in. A reverb-laden female voice joins in, enhancing the ethereal quality. While the track is sonically rich, a bridge could have provided some variation to avoid monotony.
Come Down to the River follows, embodying a deep, spiritual folk essence. With its gospel-like narrative of redemption and sin, the song leans into the religious folk tradition, complemented by a drone-like cello that gives it a timeless quality.
The album’s title track, Hello Forever, stands out with its distinctly Celtic atmosphere. A flute-driven introduction and Shannon’s expressive vocal delivery transport the listener straight into the heart of Ireland’s folk traditions. The strumming pattern is particularly effective, reinforcing the song’s immersive quality.
Everybody Got Crazy in Them takes a slightly different turn with a striking lead guitar riff. The interplay between the male and female vocals keeps the song grounded in folk while adding a Texas red-dirt influence. The chorus is especially strong, making this one of the album’s catchiest moments.
Another recurring theme in the album is the presence of the devil, as heard in Dear Daddy. Shannon leans into darker lyrical themes here, with his signature droning vocal style enhancing the eerie feel. The song’s instrumentation—particularly the acoustic lead lines—adds to its haunting folk quality.
A change of pace comes with a piano-driven track that exudes raw emotion. While a slight microphone noise before the vocals could have been edited out, the heartfelt male-female harmonies create a truly touching moment on the album. A jazzy version of this track also closes the album, offering a fresh perspective on the composition.
Sitting by the Fire evokes a fireside folk storytelling tradition, blending Shannon’s melancholic vocals with warm acoustic instrumentation. The lyrics, seemingly addressed to a glass of whiskey, give the song an intimate and nostalgic feel.
Night Is Dark continues the album’s shadowy theme, beginning with a bold acoustic guitar riff. The lyrics pull the listener into a mystical world, while the female backing vocals elevate the track’s emotional impact. However, the bridge could have benefited from a stronger mix to maintain vocal clarity.
The Final Stretch
The latter part of the album maintains the thematic consistency established earlier. Gambling Again introduces a lower-register fiddle that adds depth to the arrangement. With yet another reference to the devil, the lyrics revolve around risk, temptation, and the ease of losing oneself.
The piano and flute-led I Need My Pain creates an almost hypnotic atmosphere. The swirling instrumentation and Shannon’s deep vocals make for one of the album’s most introspective moments. The bridge is particularly effective, and the flute contributes a haunting beauty to the track.
Dark November stands out with its classical influence, featuring intricate arpeggiated guitar work. The song’s shifting chord progressions and poignant lead guitar solo highlight Shannon’s ability to blend folk with sophisticated musicality. Though the spoken vocals after the solo could have been louder, the song remains a highlight.
The album closes with the “Jazzy Version” of Dream of You Tonight, tying together the record’s themes with a rich instrumental arrangement. The inclusion of piano, flute, and acoustic guitar, combined with the dual vocal approach, makes for a satisfying conclusion to this deeply atmospheric album.
Final Thoughts
SCORE: Excellent
Eoin Shannon’s Hello Forever is an album that thrives on mood, atmosphere, and deeply rooted folk traditions. The droning male vocal, combined with Celtic instrumentation, creates a mesmerizing soundscape. If you appreciate modern Celtic folk with intricate storytelling and lush production, this album is a must-listen.
If you’re looking for an album that speaks to the soul with its immersive storytelling and haunting melodies, Hello Forever will stay with you long after the final note fades.
