After the recent success of two critically acclaimed singles, ‘A Million Minds In Tune’ and ‘Strange World’, ‘The Yellowhead Project’ (aka Philip Gargan) has announced the release of the eagerly awaited debut album ‘Master The Monster.’
Due to go live on May 21st, the record represents a body of work, which on the surface is an exploration of Gargan’s fantastic, trademark, self layered vocal harmony, combined with exciting and catchy power pop melodies. However, when those layers are stripped back, it also reveals itself as something much deeper, with no shortage of quality throughout.
Clichéd though it may be, ‘Master The Monster’ was a labour of love, many years in the making, the seeds of which were first planted, in the years following the break up of his first band, Reel (Universal Records). Over time, what started as a studio experiment in soundscape creation, through the medium of vocal harmony, organically evolved into a unique musical sound, representative of the new and more independent direction which was calling.
There was also undoubtedly, a therapeutic element to the album’s creation. As a practicing Psychotherapist, Gargan believes very strongly in the positive psychological effects that music can have, whether as a listener, or in this case, creator. “These songs helped me to move forward, both musically and as a person,” he says. “They gave me the space I needed to be truly authentic. It’s more a felt sense than anything I can fully explain, but making this album became one of the most important things that I’ve ever done for myself.”
All the songs on ‘Master The Monster’ were produced by long time TYP collaborator, and musical mentor Peter Eades (producer of Finbar Furey, Clannad, John Sheehan and Thin Lizzy amongst many others), whose expertise was paramount in shaping the sound. Eades also had a key writing input throughout. In simple terms, Philip wanted to paint vivid musical colours, and Peter helped to make it possible. Thus, ‘Master The Monster’ was born.
With thanks to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
