New album from Dessie Magee

Originally hailing from the rural countryside outside Belfast, in the North of Ireland and now based in the city of Brighton in the south of England, artist Dessie Magee brings a compelling story of perseverance and passion to his music. After a number of run-ins with the police he found a well-timed saving grace and positive outlet in the heavy music scene.

Singing in this intense genre offered a positive creative outlet, though it eventually led to major throat damage which required surgery, leaving him unable to speak for months. Despite this setback, through extensive rehabilitation, he regained his ability to speak and even sing, channeling his experiences into a renewed musical direction.

First stepping out under his own name back in 2017, he released the debut single “Maze,” going on to share multiple well-received releases over the years since, often joined by his band, The Dead Strings. Earning recognition an accolades for his musical endeavours, he’s secured extensive radio support, racked up hundreds of thousands of streams and supported artists such as Van Morrison and The Wombats.

Now he brings us his most ambitious release to date, his first full-length record with the debut twelve track album titled The Flat Circle. Across the LP, his raw and honest songwriting is on full display, brought to life in spectacular indie rock aesthetic. Joining Dessie on vocals and guitar is his talented band which includes Ed Bell on bass and backing vocals, Joe McGeogh on drums and lead guitarist Ed Lee.

Kicking off the record with “Graceless,” Dessie’s airy vocals hover above a rising arrangement of acoustic guitar tones and atmospheric textures before the strike of drums injects a punchy rhythm to form a catchy indie rock jam. As his voice flickers between deep rich tones to soaring bursts, the track serves up an anthemic sound brimming with memorable leads and dynamic arrangement.

On “There Be Wolves,” Dessie recounts the tale of a man who’s fallen for the wrong women in a grooving femme fatale inspired story wrapped up in a moody indie rock aesthetic. Shrouded in a dark sonic fabric and driven by a pulsing groove and twanging guitar tones, Dessie’s powerful voice joined by the vocals of Ebony Grace bring this epic track to life.

“Restrain” slows things down with delicate acoustic tones and tender vocals, joined by the downtempo patter of drums to craft a heartfelt sound before erupting with crunching guitars and pounding beats. Written about lacking self-control, Dessie Magee’s superb songwriting shines on this stellar musical journey packed full of intricate ebb and flow and bold choruses.

Other highlights on the album include songs like “Life Design” with its gentle acoustic intro and hushed vocals, carrying poignant lyricism about not letting your own mind hold you back. Gradually building up with splashing drums and lightly gritty guitars, the lead vocals float above to create a sound that’s at once heartfelt and energising.

Closing the record with “Bandit,” a song that distils the heartbreaking experience of feeling like you’ve let your family down, Dessie’s smooth voice rides the strums and plucks of acoustic guitar as the snap of drums brings in a lilting rhythmic sway. Serving up one final moment of his meaningful songwriting presented via a lofty indie rock sound, it’s the perfect finale to the artist’s sensational debut full-length record. From start to finish, throughout The Flat Circle, Dessie and his band lay down a thrilling listening experience that takes you on a whirlwind journey through a whole spectrum of emotions, all filtered through their exquisite musicianship and the extraordinary voice of Dessie Magee.

Listen to The Flat Circle below