Silence is golden, except when it isn’t.
Dublin-based experimental singer-songwriter Stephen Tiernan aka Participant is usually drawn to the more abstract elements of storytelling, so you greet his “most radio-friendly song so far” with intrigue.
Of course, he’s only gone and nailed it.
‘A Year of Things I Didn’t Say’ really is a beautiful, delicate thing, perfectly encapsulating a myriad of anxious moments and pivotal life choices, for better and for worse.
It’s also worth checking out Tiernan’s new four-track EP Modern Retelling in full, which is elevated by string arrangements from Gareth Quinn Redmond and Éna Brennan (Dowry), and drumming courtesy of Murder Capital sticks-man Diarmuid Brennan.
But do start with the opening track below.
If you like that, maybe pop along to Participant’s intimate headline show at The Darkroom in Dublin on Thursday 5 December.