I’ve been listening to O’Shea’s new album 61-615 for the past two weeks now. I start taking notes to write a review, but invariably I find myself losing myself in the music rather than analysing it. Perhaps that’s as it should be.
This album has all the polish you’d expect from a duo now based in Nashville. It’s also got a greater cross-over appeal than many of the recordings we hear from Australian country acts. It’s not that this duo is ashamed of its country roots, but the recording isn’t alienating to people like me who don’t consider themselves country music fans.
The album opens with “Start Over,” the lead single that reached the top spot on the Australian country music charts. Listening to it now, in the context of the album, I’m struck by its power, which hasn’t diminished with subsequent listens. The song sets the tone for an album that isn’t afraid to tackle some big emotions.
“Just Got Real” is one of those emotional songs that really strikes a chord with me. Its astute lyrics about the start of a relationship and the flood of emotions that come with it take the listener back to times in their own lives they stood on the precipice of something great, yet frightening. “I Will Not Give Up,” a song of real grit, determination, and beauty, also packs a real emotional punch.
O’Shea seems most comfortable with the big, emotive ballads, but songs like “Karaoke and Carona” show this duo knows how to have some fun. This playful song, which sounds like it deserves to be played in a Southern dive bar, is a real standout. A cover of Little River Band’s “Playing to Win” with guest vocals from Aussie The Wolfe Brothers and Travis Collins, is also bags of fun.
While the guest performances are welcome, I love the interplay of O’Shea’s voices most. That connection that comes with being a real couple translates into something special whenever they’re singing together, whether it’s on a playful upbeat number or a song with a bit more emotional meat.
It’s a shame we’ve lost O’Shea to the United States, but it seems the twosome hasn’t forgotten its roots. O’Shea is back in Australia to support the album’s release with the following shows. 61-615 is in stores now.
28 July 2017 – Leadbelly, Newtown
29 July 2017 – Centro CBD, Wollongong
30 July 2017 – Live n Cookin’ at Lizottes, Newcastle
3 August 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
4-11 August 2017 – Tunes in the Tropics, Fiji
12 August 2017 – Mt Isa Rodeo, Mt Isa