Indie Artist Billy Fitzgerald, releases highly anticipated debut album

Music Review | 20th Feb, 2025 Billy Fitzgerald

After his self-imposed exile following the split form alt-pop band, Dead Flags, indie artist Billy Fitzgerald gathered his array of drum machines, synths, a half-broken Micro Korg along with his acoustic guitar and an assortment of pedals and amps. This became the sonic palette he would use to begin crafting his new indie-pop sound, leading to his largest body of work to date, the debut album, A Grand Romantic Gesture.

The title is representative of the story being told across the 10 songs. The album offers emotional depth, reflection, acceptance and at times denial. Billy's willingness to be vulnerable and to mine personal experience gives the album a lot of heart, nothing feels vacuous, hollow or for show.

This emotional exorcism while lyrically direct is often set against a backdrop of an 80's drum machine, rain splatter synth, raw acoustic guitar and let's not forget, the tuba. Dark and light is a common theme across the album. Billy's songwriting ability and level of musicianship is astonishing. Vocals come front and centre of the album, melodies, harmonies and hooks are abundant, but the music is varied, confident and catchy.

The focus and drive to write, record, play, produce and mix and entire album yourself is something to hail in and of itself. This singular vision and delivery have given us one of Ireland's most exciting voices and one that doesn't blend in against whatever wave is popular. Instead, we hear belief, and confidence in his voice and his sound, which is the only real currency true artists have to offer.

Mr Billy Fitzgerald - All Fucked Up Now!(Youtube)

The album, A Grand Romantic Gesture, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo: Old Crows Promotions

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