Reviewed by Phil Thomson

This is an inventive debut album by the Irish duo Bob and Jan Murphy. Clearly a labour of love - recorded over 18 months - it is self-penned, self-played and sung and self-produced. Some undertaking, and always a risk. In this instance, I have to say that One Week Of Days' do-it-all approach just about survives the indulgence. It is a little bit sluggish in places, yet certainly packed full of musical ideas and unexpected twists, even if the lyrics themselves ooze sentimentality. The couple share the lead vocal honours and sound faintly retro in a soft Merillion meets early Fleetwood Mac kind of way. In fact the vocals are the most intriguing aspect - cool, reassuring, understated and confessional - even their "praise" mode teeters on the brink of ambient. Which makes it a welcome addition to late night reflection. However, I hope the pair manage to develop a cutting edge somewhere in their set when they tour; it's just all too "nice". To be able to write this well, the passion must be there. I was hearing their experience, but not drawn in and that must surely be the result of Bob and Jan being too close to the songs. Somebody pay for a quality, independent producer and give the band the break they deserve.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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