Sano Hill releases debut album

Hailing from Galway in Ireland, Sano Hill is a talented singer-songwriter who takes inspiration from life, love and loss when creating his unique sound. Armed with a compelling voice, he’s brought his music to life on stage across his home country and even performed for audiences in the USA.

With varied influences spanning artists from David Bowie, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan to Nick Cave to U2 and Radiohead. First unveiling his sound at the start of last year with his debut single titled “The Climb,” he’s since shared a string of well-received singles that have won over fans around the world and earned Sano Hill high praise from a plethora of critics and tastemakers along the way.

Now he brings us his first full-length release with his brand new debut album titled If Not Now, When, a superb LP that showcases the full scope of his original sound across its eleven songs. Mostly recorded in Windmill Lane Studios, Sano Hill linked up with award-winning Irish producer Larry Hogan to work on the release with the final mixing and mastering handled by the renowned engineer Braddon Williams whose previous credits include the likes of Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, Mark Ronson, Il Divo, Wyclef Jean, Billy Joel, Kelly Clarkson, P Diddy and The Script.

Opened by the bright strums of acoustic guitar on “Time Out,” delicate slide guitar flutters usher in Sano’s rich vocals spinning beautiful melodies that carry storytelling lyricism. With the entrance of punching drums, pulsing bass guitar, lush strings and lightly crunchy guitar tones, the song serves up an anthemic indie rock sound.

“The Climb” captures a smokey groove with snapping drums and slick acoustic guitar riffs capped by smooth vocal leads, resulting in a subtly moody vibe. Building to an emphatic chorus of lofty lead vocals melodies backed by soaring backing voices and lively instrumentation lifted by the piquant buzz of synth textures.

Next up, “Beautiful” slows things down with a laid back rhythm and breezy guitar and bass arrangement. Sano’s elegant vocals glide above carrying heartfelt lyricism that recounts the tender moments at the start of a blossoming relationship.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Dancer” with its sombre aesthetic of intricate guitar plucks and soft piano tones as Sano’s hushed vocals float above creating an intimate and moving sound. Written about the struggle of artistic endeavour, Sano has you hanging off every lyric as he spins a graceful song that gradually rises with gentle percussive claps and stunning string flourishes. “Not That Kind of Love Song” presents a charming and soulful sound of delightful acoustic guitar, warm string layers and mellow drums, peppered by synth flutters and led by Sano’s alluring voice.

The album closes with “Sing Out Loud,” an epic song written about reconnecting with the world after a turbulent few years. Building the anticipation from the brooding intro of twanging guitar chords and captivating vocals, the soft shaker gives way to a kick beat and acoustic guitar strums before launching into a dazzling indie rock outing brimming with memorable writing and joyous energy, delivering a brilliant finale to Sano Hill’s fantastic debut record.

Listen to If Not Now, When below