The Irrepressibles: Mirror Mirror

(Photo: Girlie Action)

Chamber pop takes center stage in The Irrepressibles’ debut album Mirror Mirror. Vocalist, conceptual artist, and composer Jamie McDermott embodies the elaborate vibrato of Antony Hegarty and the showmanship of Patrick Wolf in this flamboyant and pop-infused soundtrack that is all about theatrics. McDermott leads this group of true artists into avant garde territory. The critically acclaimed Mirror Mirror is now available in the US via digital download by Media Record Label.

The record begins with an unflinching pounding of the strings blaring alongside McDermott’s quivering vocals in the opener “My Friend Jo.” Singing about how Jo is a bitch, the song is a dominant introduction that echoes baroque pop. The track slowly transitions into “I’ll Maybe Let You,” a haunting melody that recalls daunting memories. McDermott then leaps into a more festive approach with “Anvil”; the track is a plucky and frolicking ensemble where the back-up vocals shine beautifully.

The Irrepressibles also intertwine poetic hymns that bring hefty dramatic flair. In “My Witness” the singer laments on anger and frustrated woes “Take your wars of your faiths/Of your bitterness please/Take your wars of faith/Of your ignorance and leave!”

McDermott then bleeds into the delicate anthem “Nuclear Skies.” It is an ode to learning to love and live life freely. “Stop before another dies/Stop before a lover dies in these nuclear skies/We love/Who we love.” The keys clash with the lush backup vocals laying in the wake of McDermott’s powerful falsetto.

The album ends with the epic “In This Shirt.” The five minute track begins with McDermott murmuring the indulgent lyrics of being “lost in our rainbow.” First set against the back drop of a pipe organ, the band charges in with the rousing of strings stroking up the scales, chiming forever forward. This is the most harrowing track on the album. “In This Shirt” is a dignified finale with an strong message about being comfortable in one’s own skin.

Ever since the album’s release in the U.K. a year earlier, The Irrepressibles have been touring throughout Europe. They have been performing tracks from their debut album at various venues such as cathedrals and prestige amphitheaters. Illustrating the rapturous flavor of McDermott’s haunting lyrics and the rich pageantry they create, the bandmates interpret the tracks how they will.

Watch the music video for the highly lauded single: In This Shirt and let us know what you think.

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