A Lazarus Soul is an Irish post-punk band formed in Dublin 2001. The band is known for its focus on social issues in Ireland. Its name derives from the nickname "Lazarus" given to lead singer Brian Brannigan by his mother due to him overcoming multiple severe illnesses in childhood.[1] The group began as Brannigan's musical project and later became a band with a stable lineup.
A Lazarus Soul | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Dublin, Ireland |
| Genres | post-punk, indie rock, Irish folk |
| Years active | 2001–present[1] |
| Labels | Bohemia Records, Absent Music, FIFA Records |
| Website | adotldots |
History
editA Lazarus Soul formed in 2001 in Dublin as a project of singer Brian Brannigan. Brannigan had performed in well-known bands in the indie scene since the 1990s.[1] Other early members of the project's changing lineup already had established musical careers, and early on the band was cited as an "indie supergroup".[2][3] Bassist Anton Hegarty was known from the band Future Kings of Spain, as were former members Bryan McMahon and Joey Wilson, while former member Fin O'Leary had been in Mexican Pets.[3] Joe Chester was the band's producer from its inception, and had worked with various popular bands from 1990 as a producer, then from 1994 on stage, before beginning a solo career.[1] The group’s early releases include ALSrecord (2001) and Through a Window in the Sunshine Room (2011).[4]
Chester joined the stage lineup in 2012 or 2013, along with drummer Julie Bienvenu who had played in smaller bands including Lines Drawing Circles.[2][5] The new solidified lineup worked together on their album released in 2014.[4] Their fifth album, No Flowers Grow in Cement Gardens, was released in 2024 after a five year pause. The band, now with members living in both France and Ireland, convened in France to record the album.[6]
Releases
edit- a lazarus soul record (also styled ALSrecord[5] or alazarussoulrecord[4]) (EP, 2001)
- Graveyard of Burnt Out Cars (2007)[3]
- Through a Window in the Sunshine Room (2011)[2]
- Last of the Analogue Age (2014)[6]
- The D They Put Between the R & L (2019)[2]
- No Flowers Grow in Cement Gardens (2024) – featuring Steve Wickham on violin[7]
Style and themes
editThe music of A Lazarus Soul combines elements of alternative rock, post-punk, Irish folk, electronic pop, and indie rock.[2] Brannigan's lyrics frequently address themes of working-class life, Dublin’s urban landscape, and socio-political issues in Ireland. In interviews, Brannigan has stated that the band aims to document aspects of Irish life.[8] The band is often described as a folk band, though Brannigan rejects this label, despite seeing himself as singing in the ballad tradition.[9]
Reception
editA Lazarus Soul has been generally well received by critics and Irish music publications. The D They Put Between the R & L (2019) was described by The Irish Times as a "low-key but frequently powerful piece of work".[2] The 2024 release No Flowers Grow in Cement Gardens has been praised for its lyrical depth, with Irish Independent stating that it "will snare any listener" through its poetic handling of social themes.[10]
They were included in The Sunday Times’ 101 Irish Albums We Love in 2017.[11]
The band's work has been acknowledged by Irish folk musician Christy Moore in the form of a cover of one of their songs on his 2024 album.[12][13]
Band members
edit- Brian Brannigan – vocals, lyrics
- Anton Hegarty – bass
- Joe Chester – guitar, production
- Julie Bienvenu – drums, percussion
Former members
edit- Fin O'Leary
- Bryan McMahon
- Joey Wilson
References
edit- ^ a b c d "A Lazarus Soul's Brian Brannigan: "I don't know if the world is darker now, but it feels like dark times"". The Irish Times. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "A Lazarus Soul: The D They Put Between the R & L review – Low-key powerful piece of work". The Irish Times. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ a b c "CLUAS | Album Reviews | A Lazarus Soul 'Graveyard of Burnt Out Cars'". www.cluas.com. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ a b c "A LAZAROUS SOUL". whelanslive.com. Whelan's. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ a b Banks, Breffni (26 March 2019). "A Lazarus Soul Share Latest Single 'No Hope Road'". IMRO. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ a b "a lazarus soul announce first album in five years No Flowers Grow in Cement Gardens, with forthcoming lead single 'The Flower I Flung Into her Grave'". Hot Press. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "a lazarus soul". aikenpromotions.com. Aiken Promotions. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "A lazarus soul's new music video celebrates Moore Street street traders". Nialler9. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "A Lazarus Soul: 'We all think of ourselves as rock and punk... not a folk band'". Irish Independent. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "Poetry and poverty sit side by side in A Lazarus Soul album that will snare any listener". Irish Independent. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "A Lazarus Soul". Bohemia Records. Bohemia Records. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "Christy Moore announces new album to be released on Claddagh Records". Hot Press. 15 August 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ Carty, Pat (13 July 2024). "A Lazarus Soul on their new music and being covered by Christy Moore". www.thetimes.com. The Times. Retrieved 3 November 2024.