From: Irish Independent 10.08.01

Article: Soundbite

Author: Jon Meagher

Article Title: A live one to remember

Yes, Pete Courtney is yet another singer-songwriter in the Jeff Buckley mode. No, his music is not the most inventive you will hear this year. Yes, some of his lyrics are clichéd. But the Monaghan-born, Dublin-based Courtney is a name to remember. Already, he has established himself as a fine live performer and One Of These Kids - his debut album - deserves high praise.

It showcases his twin trademark talents - a stunning voice and a guitar prowess to match the best. This is an intense and intimate album with a raw, 'live' feel, probably helped by the fact that it was home-recorded.

The infectious opener, 'Please Somebody', captures well the mingled pleasure and pain of too much alcohol. The sparkling 'Fingers and Face' features subtle, gorgeous backing vocals from Jenny Burke. The mellow 'Sensible Shoes' and 'Vociferous Consciousness Impulse' sees David Kitt's regular keyboardist, Paul Smith, adding some welcome background sounds to accompany Courtney's understated guitar.

The latter is spoken - a bottom-of-the-heart plea for a Utopian world. On first listen, it calls to mind 'When A Child Is Born' (no kidding!) - but to his credit, Courtney steers it away from the farcical. It's actually quite touching.

The largely instrumental 'Fairy Dance' is toe-tappingly delightful. 'Kissing Stars', which closes the nine-track album, is beautiful. Only a curmudgeon could find fault with it.

Pete Courtney has released this on his own label, Tonal Music. But without the big bucks of an industry behemoth, he may not receive the exposure he deserves. One Of These Kids celebrates simple, honest, melodic music that tugs gently at the heart-strings. It's a commendable debut from a fine young talent with considerable promise.