IAN WHITTY is a Cork-based singer/ songwriter of note who's been stealthily working his way up the ratings over the past few years and building up a following through a combination of hard graft and regular live appearances.
If you think I've missed a crucial component here, then of course you're right because the hard work would be worthless if there was nothing to tout to begin with. But this is clearly not the case where Ian Whitty is concerned, as 'Houndstooth Shirt' - the downloadable taster from his forthcoming debut album proper ('The Lucky Caller No.9') - has reasons aplenty for you to covet it.
Featuring Whitty's sympathetic band, The Exchange, 'Houndstooth Shirt' is a classic waiting-for-the-weekend scenario that's all too easily identifiable to anyone keen to shrug off the 9-to-5 shackles. Opening with a dramatic flourish of trumpet and strings, it's edgy, strident and accomplished while adroitly avoiding the easy folk-rock and singer/ songwriter pigeonholes. Whitty sings in a high-ish register that's charismatic without obviously recalling anyone other than himself and leaves a potent trail of lyrical breadcrumbs ("the moon in the city is a sight to see/ the high heels on the pavement are a symphony") for us to enjoy along the way.
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If, like most of us, you've lived or continue to live for the frisson of excitement the weekend threatens to provide, then don 'Houndstooth Shirt' and go introduce yourself. Chances are you'll find an exciting new entourage. If he has more of this calibre in reserve, Ian Whitty certainly will anyway.
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