What does it take to make you angry? / Where is the spark that lights your flame?

Oblivious – Mick Blake.

Mick Blake

At the start of every year I make a wish list of artists that I’d like to bring to The Balor. In 2017 Mick Blake was top of that list. If the purpose of art is to hold a mirror to society the Letterkenny born Leitrim based singer is, in my opinion, the most important artist recording in Ireland today.

His songs are beautiful things in and of themselves. For me however it’s the lyrics and the subject matter he tackles that raises Micks work to another level.

Whether it be Mr Tepper where he juxtaposes real life hedge fund millionaire David Tepper with the havoc wreaked to Irish society by his actions, the selling off of Irelands natural resources in The Giveaway or the albums title track Oblivious – dedicated to those suffering from blind allegiance or apathy – his music is achingly beautiful, combining the social conscience of Christy Moore with the poetic delivery of Paul Brady. It’s no coincidence that both men have championed his new album.

I firmly believe that in 20 or 30 years time, when future generations look back at the Banking Crisis, the Bailout and the collapse of the Celtic Tiger and wonder how we could have got it so wrong, it is Mick Blake’s music that will form the soundtrack of these times.

Required listening.

“Mick Blake is a true modern day bard. I have been looking forward to this album for the last two years. This is an important collection which I do not hesitate to recommend to you” – Christy Moore