Reining from Co. Kildare and Co. Wexford, this musical trio has tendered their debut album described in their ornate biog as ‘classical in waiting’. Indeed. This string-led, contemporary/classical fusion ensemble is in all comprised of vocalist and violinist Joyce O’Leary, her elder sister, violinist Ruth (24) and last but not least, pianist Colm Henry (23).
While individually, each member of this modern-classical hybrid holds a résumé that would impress anyone (having studied at Classical Houses such as The Guildhall School of Music in London and the Royal Irish Academy of Music) one can’t help feeling that there is something distinctly lacking from the end product.
It is difficult to fathom that something so plainly mediocre and lacklustre could have stemmed from three highly trained young musicians who possessed such promising instruction hitherto. Two words spring to mind…‘sell’ and ‘out’.
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The delicate yet unconvincing vocals from the elder of the O’Leary sisters at times lacked the conviction, resonance and depth necessary to complement the elegant nuances of the classical background. And all the while, the superficial and clichéd lyrics echo blatantly of something from a Westlife b-side.
That said, despite the questionable “is it the name of the latest Nissan 3-door or is it a WWF wrestler” name, Sephira will no doubt hold pride of place on the coffee table by day and act as the soundtrack to many a polite suburban dinner party by night.
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