Written by: Bea Burridge
Band:
Album Title:
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James O’Hurley
A Certain Creature
14th February 2025
London born singer-songwriter James O’Hurley surrounds himself with a love affair of traditional folk music and legendary classic bands like the Rolling Stones, which ooze through him to create his debut album A Certain Creature. With relatable, story-telling lyrics fuelled by subtle metaphors, O’Hurley fuses genres together to create nostalgic, almost comforting music, reminiscent of a time when the world still had charm.
O’Hurleys debut album fills whatever space you are listening to it in full of atmosphere, all that is missing is a smoke machine, epic lighting and around 90,000 people. His voice is rich with a hint of gravel, full of intrigue drawing you in. Of the album, four tracks are already out in the world for you to listen to, with the rest being kept under wraps until its release on 14th February 2025. Each track showcases a different layer of this talented musicians vocal and songwriting abilities.
If you’re into singing into your friends faces about past lovers after a few beers, then Evil is the perfect track for you, sure to get you reflecting on your past and the people you’ve left there. Maria, for me, encapsulates a lot of the overall feel of the album with stadium style sing-a-long harmonies and instrumentals that stir memories of Eagles and Pink Floyd. Similarly, Red for me, gives a nod to early tracks by The Who, whether intentionally or not. The fourth track currently out from the album and waiting for you to listen to it is, Bloom – the track that O’Hurley sites as his favourite track on the whole album which was released back in November. With its intricate introduction the music that has influenced James O’Hurley is clear. The ornate guitar and the understated power of the drums, which remind me of Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk, come together with O’Hurleys vocals to create a future classic track for rock and folk lovers alike.
Forget Valentines Day and mark this album release down in your diary for 14th February. Each track on A Certain Creature is ready to be the soundtrack to your next favourite TV show or long road trip. Prepare to hum, sing and dance along as you move through the tracks because James O’Hurley has a story to tell and you need to hear what he as to say.
