Paddy Mulcahy - Angel's Share (2022) Hi Res

Paddy Mulcahy’s free-ranging and genre-bending hybrid of post-classical and electronica may not use words to express its feelings yet Angel's Share - his first album for Sony offshoot XXIM Records - is a deep and moving work, inspired by loss and anxiety in a time of crisis, though the Irish composer finds a place of peace and resolution.

In the process of converging threads of electronica, classical, ambient, dance, avant-pop, chillwave and drum & bass to create a multi-dimensional work of shifting rhythm, texture, mood and impact, Angel's Share also expands the Irish composer’s instrumental and studio capabilities. Mulcahy’s fusion of emotion and technique is a beautifully honed sound and vision for head and heart, body and soul.

It’s also the first time that Mulcahy has live musicians on his records, namely drummer Myles O’Callaghan and violinist Gareth Quinn Redmond. “As my debut album for XXIM, I really wanted it to sound the very best it could, and taking the music to Myles and Gareth allowed me to fully express the emotions I wanted to capture.”

Mulcahy owns a total of 11 synths - many of which you will see live in action at this launch. “It’s a bit of an obsession! But each has its own sound and function, which lends itself to approaching different types of music. I often allow them to dictate where the music goes. That's why I joke that they're my band members."

“Sometimes you just have to play the synthesizer whilst on your knees… That’s how the main part in Angel’s Share was recorded. A very intense recording session which required lots of energy and focus, and the usual pressing of buttons and twisting of knobs. The hi-hat took about 45 minutes to get sitting right. Starting off a bit unsure of itself and a bit eerie, the track eventually grows legs and builds to a mini techno dance track, so feel free to dance! Being the ‘standout, self-titled’ track on the album, Angel’s Share is intended to be the main take away – but also a representation of the whole album itself.” — Paddy Mulcahy