MIKE O’NEILL
The Owl
Zunior.com
· The ’60s live on.
Over the course of a 25-minute album, Haligonian Mike O’Neill manages to make it apparent who his musical influences are. In addition to moments that might remind one of Joel Plaskett or The Inbreds (O’Neill’s former band), most of the songs on The Owl have harmony vocals that instantly bring to mind The Beatles, The Byrds, or even The Who. It’s all O’Neill behind those harmonies, though – taking the idea of a solo album seriously, he’s done all the writing, playing, singing and producing work on this record himself (notwithstanding a brief visit from former Super Friend Matt Murphy).
O’Neill acquits himself pretty well in all categories. The songs range from the catchy singalong "Stay With Me" to the groovier "We Live Happily" and the melancholy (and cleverly arranged) "Burying Ground." A definite ’60s vibe permeates all the songs, but it’s not forced or phony – it’s just who O’Neill is right now.
The Owl isn’t a groundbreaking album, but it is a pleasant and worthwhile listen. Don’t look for it in stores, though – it’s only available online through Zunior.com.
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