Damien Dempsey has gained a godlike recognition among his followers, admired as a philosopher, wise man, mentor, and a bringer of positivity. His admiration for music and its influence on personal wellbeing and mental health is evident. His references to the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu within his press release, highlight his individuality and uniqueness in the music industry.
Although some of his past albums from Dublin might be seen as inconsistent, Dempsey’s live performances prove his unrivalled charisma and strength. His autobiographical musical, “Tales from the Holywell”, was showcased in the Abbey Theatre last year and was imbued with a sense of genuine joy, regardless of its sophisticated setting.
His performance could be one of the reasons Dempsey’s latest album “Hold Your Joy” – his first fresh material since “Soulsun” in 2017 – came into being. His tenth LP continues the narrative of his previous projects. Though it may not contain anything groundbreaking, Dempsey’s unwavering faith in his music and the energising, uplifting essence of his songs make them irresistible.
These songs amalgamate stirring life lessons and personal narratives. In the title track, Dempsey encourages listeners to keep their spirits high and ignore the negative influences, reinforcing the concept of karma. The song “Ray of Sun” underlines the necessity of guiding children to the right path. Contrarily, “Factory John” and “Devil’s Dandruff” pay tribute to specific characters while warning against certain perils. The song “Louise” – a tale of a woman burdened with raising 11 children – pair Dempsey’s tender voice perfectly with the subtle violin in the background, accentuating his vocal talents.
In the midst of lyrical ballads and rousing community singing, Dempsey makes room for significant societal remarks. He criticises certain deceptive political figures in “Landlords in the Government”, and laments the fact that “countless children in guest homes [are] a disgrace to James Connolly”, prompting his audience to “oust them through voting”. The rapid, intense strumming in “James McClean” honours the Irish footballer who refuses to don a remembrance poppy, stating “his courage should be admired. He confronts the crowd.”
At a total of 16 songs, “Hold Your Joy” feels extended, filled sporadically with melodramatic, basic lyrics intended more for communal singing than for critical dissection. However, much like his performances, Dempsey’s passionate delivery of music, melody and narratives is incredibly captivating: you find yourself swept away by the emotions before you know it, potentially against your own judgement. That, he would likely argue himself, is precisely the vision.