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IN THE CITY MAGAZINE- (In The Shadows & the Neon)

One of the most striking things about this record is that considering The
Raindogs are often pigeon-holed as a blues band, there are so many influences
at work; personal favourite I Haven't Fallen is rife with post-rock inspired
guitar hooks that fall over each other spectacularly, cascading like
waterfalls and
one of the most improbable yet delightfully melancholy choruses of the year,
O'Reilly's Irish/Americana voice singing in French.

Second track Don't Feel Cold sees honky-tonk piano, the purest of blues guitar
and effortlessly gracious jazz drum and bass move together so well, building
into a pre-chorus staccato that occupies some sort of bizarre territory between
later day Beatles and early days Clash with a guitar solo straight from the
book of Page in his blues years.

Tracks I Won't Need You, What Has She Done? and Back Of The Old Hotel display
The Raindogs knack for writing a tune that will get everyone in the room
on their feet. The latter's energy evolving from it's shifty, swinging
Steranho-esque
indie punk feel, offset with a country tinge in the rhythm and harmonica
lines

No Raindogs album could be complete without the odd homage to their folk
and country roots and they don't come much better than I Know That I'll Have
Nightmares; a song who's beauty may never be fully realised in this country
but should be an American Country anthem and if it's not then there is something
seriously wrong going on the other side of the pond. A bittersweet chorus
so well harmonised it's criminal and a rhythm you can't help but tap your
feet to, make for the most country track you'll get from the band on this
record and in all honesty I don't think you'll find a better, despite protests
from the following track Think About Me, a long standing live favourite.
Again, slow, mournful and delicately harmonised; altogether a more tender
track than it's predecessor.

Whether it be the slower tracks you prefer, or the more upbeat; across the
ten on the album there is enough to ensnare you and ensure that the disk
doesn't leave your stereo for a long time.

by Jerome Cross

http://www.myspace.com/inthecitymagazine

 

HAMPSHIRE CHRONICLE by Louise Glyde- (In The Shadows & The Neon)

"...Ryan is a sophisticated wordsmith and an extremely talented musician. His lyrics are fiercely emotional, sometimes surreal and the delivery has a tortured feel at times, which gives it that raw edge. However, far from being bleak to listen to, the music is of such tempo and composition that it is almost at a direct contrast with the lyrics, being upbeat and quirky. This is particularly the case with the single Don't Feel Cold. The honky-tonk piano at the beginning and which features throughout the song, conjurers up the image of a smoky 1920's saloon with this guy at the front pouring his heart out. The latter is true. The tune and beat sticks in your head but you get a feel of real turmoil coming from Ryan as he sings..."

Americana UK

Phil Edwards of Americana UK   on Ryan's first CD, "Ryan O'Reilly":

..."my is he talented"..."Simple sparse songs with a good melody, sung well and just a guitar to enhance the ambience"..."Excellent"...

Read the review here

Fly Magazine - Review of the Railway 26th April 2006

Last, but certainly not least headliners Ryan O'Reilly and The Raindogs grace the stage with their presence, which is that of a casual down to earth bunch of lads, the drummer looked like an unpolluted Stroke member. O'Reilly comes across shy but shyly confident and very charming as he greets the audience. O'Reilly is a young hybrid of Dylan and Neil Young adopting their folksiest essence of story telling lyrics and lingering vocals that grip your ears along with the very talented raindogs supplying the setting for a full Americana country, blues and rock concoction.

This band were on fire tonight, having seen Ryan at a few open mic sessions in Winchester (Being a personal fan of his music) his band sound did not disappoint but only highlighted the talents of this young singer songwriter. It was refreshing to hear such raw talent breaking away from the current set indie bandwagon and doing it so well. Every song was melodic and comparable as O'Reilly detoxed his emotions as if re living every moment of their meaning. He sang of love and betrayal, resonating perfectly through the room as he gazed out like we were a maze for his thoughts to lie upon.

Whilst you can hear this bands influences, you only hear their music and their music is memorable giving it a contemporary twist that modernizes country, blues and folk as we know it with that bit more of a rock element. Their best song of the set, which I could not help singing along to, was called "I know I'll have nightmares" it had 'hit' written all over it as soon as they started playing the very melodic, sing a long number that had everyone toe tapping and turning to each other with the agreeable nod. It gave you that uplifting sensation that allows you to play it over and over again without getting bored of it.

As I rush off to buy the single, I see my favorite songs only on the album, but worth every penny to invest in. This is one band to catch whilst you can still afford to hear them. All in all it was a night of great diverse music and judging from the amount of empty glass' I wasn't the only one walking home with a swagger in my step.

Hampshire Chronicle

The Raindogs supporting Six Nation State - The Railway Inn- 29th December 05

"His songs are traditional although certainly not pedestrian, with some highly refined lyrics and melodies. He also exhibited a great deal of musical skill, regularly switching between guitars and alternating between singing and playing the harmonica. Critics might argue that his sound and appearance are somewhat dated, but in his defence, there should always be room for retro when it is performed well."

The Raindogs (with Tyler Kyte) supporting Blackbud - The Railway Inn- 19th January 06

"First up was Ryan O'Reilly, who, with his trilby and mouth organ, immediately reminded the onlooker of Bob Dylan. His bluesy/country and western sounding tunes were packed to the gills with raw emotion set to a toe-tapping, edgy beat. It was refreshing to see someone with the talent and style to pull off using the harmonica. Ryan exudes ease and confidence on stage and listening to his songs is like riding an emotional roller coaster."