Adrift

Declan Kelly's latest studio album Adrift - a pure offering in the roots reggae genre - will be released by Vitamin Records April 6. Showing subtle tinges of the influence of Afro beat, Kelly’s 11-track album spotlights Declan Kelly’s earthed and urbane approach to song writing as he speaks about love, peace, relationships and death.

From the first distinctive clip clop of the percussion, in opening track Far and Away to the revved up and broken down beats in Sanctim, he succeeds in creating a festive atmosphere; a thoughtful and magical space you find yourself wanting to be a part of.

Pared back to the bones, Adrift offers fans and new comers more of Kelly’s distinctive whispering voice, tight pacific grooves, bright timbale percussion and that irresistable blue beat feel.

Wishing Well featuring backing vocals by sister Ngaire Kelly recently won Declan Kelly and The Rising Sun an award for Best Blues and Roots act at 2008 Music Oz Awards. Hot on the heels of their success, Declan recorded his second studio album to two-inch tape, the analogue way, at studios in Sydney and Hobart.

"In a sea of watered down roots and afro beat offerings I was really determined to make an honest record," says Kelly. “During the time of writing this album my father was ill and eventually passed away. I was not aware of the impact losing a loved one could have and so I wrote the final song on the album 'Rooftops' about that experience. About not knowing how to deal with death and how to relieve the pain,” says Kelly of his journey toward finishing the album. "During the writing, water became the most potent metaphor for talking about life journeys and the experience of literally feeling adrift," he adds.

Declan Kelly is a intuitive music maker who sings, plays drums and composes delicate songs that show influence from Polynesian melodies, the traditions of reggae and the bitter sweet strains of African American soul.

Though he harks from Bondi but Declan has also spent time living in Europe, studying west African rhythms, under the tuition of Epizo Bangoura, and busking in Paris, the south of France, and Dublin. Declan’s time in Paris continues to influence his sound demonstrating his deep love and respect for indigenous music and culture.

Musicians featured on the new album by Declan Kelly and The Rising Sun include Grant Naylor, percussion; sister Ngaire Kelly, vocals; Winston Stevenson and Rowan Lane, bass; Trent Williams, guitar and harmonica; Jonathan Pease, guitar; Sam Boyd and Rob Woolf, Hammond Wurlitzer and Jonathon Pease & Illya Szweck, guitar. Declan Kelly, now an accomplished career musician, has risen through the ranks of the blues and roots circuits from playing in a duo called Slim La Beef and The Spare Ribs with pop star Alex Lloyd aged 15, to touring Australia with The Bondi Cigars. An accomplished musicians, well respected by his peers, Kelly has built a performance reputation as a groove drummer, music maker, recording artist and vocalist. Recorded at well respected studios in Sydney and at a kooky little studio in a ‘shed on the side of a hill’ in Tasmania, Adrift is the result of a purist’s approach to music.

Adrift will be launched with the help of Declan Kelly's band the Rising Sun, local DJ’s and the Hawaiian Polynesian Dance Group from 8.30pm on Thursday 23 April 2009 at Oxford Arts Factory.

"I hope it will have the vibes that I cherish in an evening; lots of warmth, very relaxed and beautiful sounds,” says Kelly.