Bren Holmes - A Rush to the Start Line (2025)

Tracklist

01. Gloria
02. Don't Say You Will
03. Ordinary World(for Sinéad}
04. Need Some Time
05. Shine
06. Dreamin'
07. The Way
08. Satisfied
09. This One
10. Song for Christmas

Dublin-born, but Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Bren Holmes returns with his second solo album. A Rush To The Start Line follows his solo debut, Everything You Never Wanted, which he released following his departure from The Young Dubliners. A Rush To The Start Line is less Irish-trad-folk, and more well-produced pop rock. Of course, there are elements of traditional Irish music, but A Rush To The Start Line sees Holmes branching out and expanding his musical landscape. And it works. He writes incredibly melodic and well-arranged music that sounds instantly familiar.

A Rush To The Start Line taps into the classic singer/songwriter albums of the 1970s. While melody is very important, so too are the lyrics. Holmes writes songs about things near and dear to his heart. Love songs (or indeed break-up songs such as “Don’t Say You Will”) are beautifully written with clever lyrics and tunes that seep into your soul. To be clear, these songs are not dirges but upbeat, jaunty songs that don’t so much disguise the intent of the lyrics but provide an alternative to the lyrical content.

He is also somewhat of a storyteller. A song like “Gloria”, a heartbreaking song about a runaway, with beautiful melancholic music to match. “Ordinary World (for Sinéad)” is a very heartfelt tribute to and for Sinéad O’Connor, which is honest and very emotional. And it is a wonderful tribute, of which she would no doubt approve. Elsewhere he turns his attention to the world at large with the wonderful “This One.” Not to be confused with Paul McCartney’s brilliant song of the same name, but rather a very passionate plea for peace (and he mentions “Give Peace A Chance” in the song) and justice for all.

Bren Holmes is an extremely talented and gifted performer and writer. A Rush To The Start Line is an album that takes the listener into many aspects of life, and one gets a small glimpse into the heart and soul of Holmes. In feeling personal, the music and stories lovingly embraces the listener, which makes for an outstanding listening experience.