Kyle T Hurley
“Ode to Irish John”
An Ink 19 Music Premiere
Spiritual Records
Country, blues, and rock singer-songwriter Kyle T Hurley unveils his brand-new single, “Ode to Irish John,” a track from his upcoming album, KTH 3:16, recorded and produced by Jack Trouble.
The single and album artwork were designed by Grammy-nominated film director Tony Kaye (American History X, 1998), who also directed the videos for “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum, “Dani California” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, “What God Wants” by Roger Waters, and “Help Me” and “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” by Johnny Cash.
Hurley explains, “‘Ode to Irish John’ is about the giver of memory and the one who received it, and references the book ‘The Giver,’ in which the protagonist is the sole person who holds the memories of the past, and learns the dark secrets behind his community’s controlled existence.”
Hurley’s sound merges elements of classic country, rock, and blues, tinted with ‘90s grunge flavors.
In 2014, Hurley dropped his self-titled debut album, recorded at Castlesound Studios in the UK. He followed with two more albums, KTH II and KTH III, which were recorded in London and completed at Abbey Road Studios. In 2023, he released IV.
“Ode to Irish John” opens on thrumming, prowling guitars riding tight. powerful percussion. A dazzling solo guitar sits in the background, pushing out luminous licks, giving the melody sizzling coloration amid harmonic layering. Hurley’s vocals imbue the lyrics with nuanced, shifting tones, ranging from a dark, snarling rasp to evocative soaring timbres. There’s an edge to his voice that’s simultaneously irresistible and slightly portentous.
On “Ode to Irish John,” Kyle T Hurley finds his palette, blending retro tangs, a galvanizing rhythm, and his own charismatic vocals.
