The delectable tones of Peter McVeigh are finally back as he drops his new album “The Wolf and Peter.” It has been a couple of years since we heard from the Belfast man and his beautiful custom made guitar but it has been well worth the wait.
Opening the album with the track “We Don’t Believe You” which the BBC banned over the election in fear of any sort of ‘sway’ in public voting, it fast became their “Single of the Week”, a massively deserved accolade for Peter with its ballsy lyrics and even more ballsy video.
It has been a couple of years since we heard from the Belfast man and his beautiful custom made guitar but it has been well worth the wait. “Last So Long” shows off Peters voice in that ‘close-your-eyes-lighters-in-the-air’ kind of way. Quite easily one of the the best tracks from “The Wolf and Peter”, if not all his albums. A goosebumps giving chorus makes you want to hit repeat and listen over and over.
Not one to shy away from a good collaboration, the sweet sound of Cici Ward, a singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee; somewhere that Peter has spent a lot of time playing in various haunts such as the much sought after Bluebird Cafe, joins Peter in “Sunshine & Rain”.
Cici brings a tinge of kindness and sadness to the song. Peters voice is one of those that works stunningly with the delicate tones of some female artists, having previously collaborated with Ciara O’Neill on his previous album “PM” with “A Song For Winter.” Cici and Peter are a mix made in paradise who complement each other perfectly.
“Having listened to Peters records for many years, this is one of the things I love about him as an artist, the versatility of his songwriting and vocals, turning his hand to many genres with no fear of mixing them together to make an eclectic album.”
Having listened to Peters records for many years, this is one of the things I love about him as an artist, the versatility of his songwriting and vocals, turning his hand to many genres with no fear of mixing them together to make an eclectic album.
The multi-talented singer brings a country sound in with “Let them Know” taking the album in a different direction. Having listened to Peters records for many years, this is one of the things I love about him as an artist, the versatility of his songwriting and vocals, turning his hand to many genres with no fear of mixing them together to make an eclectic album.
With this in mind, “Let them Know” leads into the big ballad number of “Heaven.” The most powerful song on the the album, and possibly to date from Peter, he shows of his incredible vocal range whilst demanding that “Love is the Answer.’ A gentle piano opening leads into a gorgeous multi-instrumental attack leaving you wanting more.
Taking it down a notch, “Fear” leads your imagination into stories of lost loves and self reflection, a perfect sign of a great songwriter.
“Judas” shows off Peters stunning commissioned acoustic guitar by Neil Robinson at Hook Guitars. A good match, the guitar and voice complement each other beautifully in a delicate, heart-wrenching song.
Cici Ward is back for “Endlessly,” a catchy country collaboration, which shows that there needs to be more of these. The best collaboration that Peter has done over the years, in my opinion, Nashville and this Belfast lad blends very well and is clearly rubbing off on him more and more with each visit. Closing with “Haven’t Told You” this track shows off the gorgeous acoustic guitar.
An ode to his lovely wife Edel and beautiful boy Rohan, it is simple and perfect ‘I love you’ to them. “PM” was always going to be a hard album to top and “The Wolf and Peter” is a superb follow up and has a much more simple, acoustic, country vibe about it. A stunning album well worth the listen. With new material and dates coming up in the new year, keep up to date on Facebook and www.petermcveigh.com.