British / Anglo-Irish artist Fionn ÓLochlainn delivers a vast, guitar driven sound, reminiscent of greats such as Led
Zeppelin, Early Bowie or Pink Floyd but with a current originality that draws the listener in to a world of acoustic
rock’n’roll. Accompanying himself on multiple instruments including acoustic guitar, piano and mandola, Fionn converges ethereal textures with melodic dreamlike vocals evocative of Beck, Nick Drake & at times Jeff Buckley.
Fionn captures the insurgence of 'Brit Rock' but with haunting and enigmatic songs, prone to introspection and
heavy blues. Either performing solo or with full-blown outfit, ÓLochlainn flaunts a formidable talent that has received
critical acclaim from both sides of the Atlantic. His satirically titled 'Spawn of the Beast' will debut in March 07 in the
United States. Fionn recently showcased at SXSW this year and is now working on the UK release of ‘Spawn of the Beast’..
Fionn ÓLochlainn’s story is an underground anomaly. A story that deserves to be presented in full biographical density due to it’s unusual twists and turns but for the purposes of this concise copy, I will start by him being born of Irish, Scottish and French blood. His Mother contributing the Scottish & French genes, was born in Tanzania, Africa
throughout world war two. Both her and her father Robert Mackay, a highly respected geologist, where honorary members of the Yoruba tribe, who raised her throughout infanthood in Africa. Fionn himself was born and for the most part, raised in London, England. His Irish father Ruan was a multi-instrumentalist, jazz, rock and traditional musician who played with Ronnie Lane, Link Wray, Bees Make Honey, Gong, Ringo Star among many others. Fionn grew up listening to his father writing songs, transcribing Charlie Parker and playing an array of instruments with an unusual flare and level of dexterity. Fionn witnessed his father in recording sessions, performing and at home working diligently on his music. Let’s say that his father's unlimited enthusiasm for music ‘rubbed off’ on him.
Fionn started playing guitar and mandolin age six, piano age ten, bass age fourteen and after his father passed away, leaving him his saxophones, he started playing saxophone at the age eighteen. Fionn has never been shy of hard work, as his prodigious abilities took him on the road as an instrumentalist from the age of sixteen, touring, recording and performing with a variety of artists, including the traditional Irish music legend Donal Lunny, the Irish singing provocateur and icon Sinead O'Conner, the classical voice of Andreas Bocelli, the soul/pop sensations of Seal, Des'ree & Oleta Adams, the rock legend Joe Cocker and jazz superstar Jason Rebello to mention a few. Fionn's spectrum of influence is broad, hence categorizing his music as a solo artist proves challenging. His music has been coined as 'acoustic rock'n'roll', 'trad-rock' 'Celtic soul' 'Acoustic brit-rock' etc. however, all of these categories seem to miss something, as Fionn does not restrict his music to any given genre but maintains enough conceptual consistency to deliver music that has been described as:
"A big rock-influenced sound and an equally substantial artistic statement using only traditional, acoustic instruments and keening, crystalline vocals." ~ Jon Sobel, Blogcritics.
"It is a great example of using acoustic instruments in a very energetic context. Very refreshing and exciting" ~ Andy Wallace
“When Fionn played "Waterside" live in the studio for our radio show, he left everyone in the room breathless. His voice is incredibly pure and always soulful. An amazing performer, songwriter, and recording artist.” ~ Mark Sutton, NPR Producer
"Magic writing, magic playing, magic album" ~ Billy Bragg
"We are pretty damn impressed, dreamy strumming and crunchy riffs, moody arrangements and vocals running the gamut from fey introspection to glammy braggadocio." ~ Time Out NYC
"Truly hypnotic voice" ~ Teenpeople
"An incredible voice and masterful guitar playing" ~ Coolfer
"Catch one of his live shows, during which he switches effortlessly between piano, guitars and mandolin, delighting his audience with casual banter as he tunes." ~ Indie Sounds NY.
