Past Lives
Mike Breen
Basilbone Records
2000
11 tracks
Mike Breen's music is very pleasant. A radio programmer might want to place it in the "easy listening" section. It's the sort of music that will go over well in any setting not because it will set toes tapping and hands clapping but because it will offend nobody. It's safe. Given his obvious talent, I wonder if Mike Breen is being just a little too cautious in his approach.
The strongest song on this release is the only instrumental and the only song not written by Breen. "Corrs Medley" features three traditional tunes played in a style influenced by versions released by The Corrs. "Erin Shore" features an almost bagpipe sound built around an interesting and melancholic blend of violin and guitar. "Carraroe Jig" and "Toss the Feathers" conjure visions of those lovely lasses step-dancing their way across the stage. Here is a vitality mostly missing from the rest of the songs on Past Lives.
This is not to say that the playing, the writing, or the writing on Past Lives is not good. It is. However, there's not much here to raise this music above the flood of releases by so-called singer-songwriters. A polished singer and player with passable songwriting skills, Breen presents himself with little flair or confidence. A more assured, individual approach would certainly raise his work to a new level.
Breen's picking on guitar, banjo, and mandolin seems flawless, and he has assembled a band of skilled professionals to back him up. Often his voice and his singing style resonates of early John Denver, a comfortable folk-country style. The result is music that, while sometimes bland, cannot be faulted technically.
Perhaps not strongly enough emphasized in his arrangements, Breen's lyrics are tightly written stories, mostly sentimental love stories, that work better sometimes than others.
Those who want some well-crafted, relaxing music for background while having dinner or reading will enjoy Past Lives. Those who expect more from a songwriter who happens also to be a storyteller may want to wait for Mike Breen's next release.
More information on Mike Breen and his words and music is available at his home page.
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