Brendan Rivera is a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn. His first album, The Musician, came out in 2008. Following this solo project, Rivera toured and wrote with Looking Glass Wars, who disbanded after a short stint together. Rivera then released another solo album, Body of Land. His newest album, No Ocean In Ireland, is due out on June 12th. But it’s available for streaming here.

No Ocean In Ireland is a wonderfully unique album. Rivera himself describes it is “Irish-Americana Indie Rock.” If that description alone doesn’t pique your interest, then read on. The album gently eases open like a ship setting sail with “Introduction,” a track that opens quiet and acoustic, before distorting and erupting into the album’s title track. Brendan Rivera’s voice is low and subdued, a nice contrast with the pounding drums behind him. But he soon proves that his upper register is just as well-developed as his lower register. The track is in 6/8, the tempo of Irish jigs, which gives a little of the Irish flair to the song.

“No Ocean In Ireland” is a blend of varying musical styles and aesthetics, just like the album as a whole. “Centerfold” barrels along with fuzzy distortion and drums that never stop. “Strangers” showcases the acoustic style that first brought Rivera success, “Sail Away” adds some Celtic flavor to the album, and “Silver Moon” opens the sound up with some spacey minimalism.

One of the beautiful things about the album is that each track is distinctly different, and yet they all fit perfectly together. Listen for yourself at the link above, and be sure to pick up the album when it drops.

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