Rock ‘n’ Rural Heroes Back on Song

Rejuvenated by their clever re-working of The Sugababes “About You Now”, The Saw Doctors have stormed back into prominence, especially on the Irish live circuit abroad.  “Further Adventures” reinforces that resurgence, while Phil Tennant’s production foregoes studio trickery in favour of a live band feel, and rookie drummer Éimhín Cradock expands their songwriting team too.

While “Takin’ The Train” with its Edge-like intro, and the strident “Friday Town” revisit the exuberance of past glories, Davy Carton’s distinctive vocals are less abrasave than of yore.  There’s a delicious Buddy Holly feel to the harmonies in “Someone Loves You” with its subtle strings helping the track to soar.  “Indian Summer” is a pure pop ballad minus the fake sincerity that normally comes with the genre, and there’s a tempting jangly feel to the emotion-packed “Goodbye Again”.   “Songs and Stars” has light U2-ish touches, although the new age philosophy of “Be Yourself” is more than a tad trite.  “If you can’t be yourself, you’ll be alone”? Well, maybe.

The Saw Doctors have long outlasted most of the self-appointed critical elite, who seemed blind to the notion that rural Ireland was as capable of stimulating provocative reflection as the Nashville skyline, Manchester’s party people, or the New Jersey shore. 

“Further Adventures” suggests they’ll be with us for another while yet, celebrating the parts of real Ireland that most other bands don’t reach.

Jackie Hayden

Hot Press Sept 8, 2010 

Key Track:  Friday Town