Nathan O'Regan’s debut studio EP, ‘Uncovered Vol. 1’, is here, and it’s an absolute gem. Released today via Zenith Cafe, this EP is a love letter to Northern Irish songwriting, wrapped in O'Regan’s unique, soulful voice. Each track is like a perfectly crafted cocktail: familiar ingredients shaken up with a twist that only O’Regan could serve.
Starting with Gareth Dunlop’s ‘It’ll Be Alright’, O’Regan sets the tone for the EP—a big, warm musical hug that whispers, “You’ve got this.” O’Regan’s rendition captures the essence of reassurance and hope, making it a perfect anthem for anyone needing a reminder that everything’s going to be okay—comforting, nourishing, and exactly what you didn’t know you needed. It’s a powerful start, setting the tone for an EP that balances melancholy and optimism in equal measure.
When he takes on Ciaran Lavery’s ‘Follow You Down’, O'Regan takes us to a place where soulful blues meet acoustic folk, and they decide to stay for a while. His voice, smooth and golden, takes the original’s simplicity, wrapping around Lavery’s folk melodies and turning them into something profoundly emotive. It’s a love song for the ages, the kind that makes you believe in grand gestures and handwritten love letters.
‘Is That What You Wanted?’ is O'Regan at his most introspective. The song, originally by MCVEIGH, becomes a brooding masterpiece under his careful watch. Listening to O'Regan deliver each meticulously crafted word feels like catching someone else’s intense eye contact across a crowded room—intimate, intense, and impossible to look away from. His version is raw and honest, turning the track into a conversation between the heart and the mind. O'Regan’s voice, clear and resonant, fills every corner of the room, making you feel like you’re the only one he’s singing to.
O'Regan then takes Fiona Harte’s ‘Permanent’ and makes it, well, unforgettable. O'Regan captures the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, making this track feel both fragile and resilient. It’s a beautiful exploration of the transient nature of life, brought to life by O'Regan’s heartfelt performance.
Finally, ‘Strange People’ by Fiona O’Kane (LARKS) is O'Regan’s curtain call, and what a way to end the show. This track is a hauntingly beautiful piece that where his voice floats through the air like a ghostly whisper. It’s the kind of song you’d play while staring dramatically out a window, wondering about life’s big mysteries. It’s the perfect conclusion to an EP that feels like a journey through the heart and soul of Northern Ireland’s music scene.
Nathan O'Regan has not only found his voice but also invited us to listen to the voices of others, seen through his unique lens. ‘Uncovered Vol. 1’ is a journey through the heart of Northern Irish music seen through the eyes (and vocal cords) of one of its brightest talents. Nathan O'Regan doesn’t just cover these songs; he dives into them, swims around a bit, and comes up with treasure. This EP is a testament to O'Regan’s ability to reinterpret songs with a fresh, soulful perspective that feels both groundbreaking and reverently familiar.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1rj2dJW55z6uuZGhSVsD5E?si=JOsC-UQ7QeqFKI9Fe7X2sg
