Brendan Gallagher

John Moyle, Leading Edge Magazine 2006

Karma County front man Gallagher has crafted 12 songs with the virtuosity and maturity of a seasoned pro. The rich lyrics deal with the detail and broad brush strokes of a life lived somewhere on the fringes, while the music travels from multi-layered guitars to lush strings supported by a sure footed rhythm section led by Felix Bloxsom. Ably assisted by Jimmy Little, David McCormack, Charlie Owen and Lucky Oceans. A cut above the rest.



- John Moyle, Leading Edge Magazine 2006

Brendan Gallagher is our Australian Chris Isaac, minus the suit, haircut and abstract liberetto. ok so the only similarity is that Brendan is super super cool.
It's not only the lyrical content, as in Karma County's Dexter & Sinestra, which oozes coolness, it's his vision for his music and his arrangements that make him so special. As his first solo album it becomes obvious this is not your average 'I can write a song and live in your street' kind of deal. Brendan has earned his stripes working with such folk as David Bowie, Kylie Minogue and Dave McCormack and really must I mention names? He's a skilled guitarist, credible songwriter and producer and it's a wonder he has released a solo album sooner.
On Eve St is a patchwork of instruments layered together by one of those few blessed musical ears.

- Polly, Tsunami Magazine 2006

But for a slightly more expansive range of instruments, Sydney crooner Brendan Gallagher's first solo record might easily be taken for the sixth by Karma County, the lushly twangin' acoustic trio he's fronted for a decade. His wood-grain arrangements blur country-blues, smoky jazz and the odd tasteful symphonic arrangement, but the joy is mainly in his wit and perspective as a singer and storyteller. A fondly recalled encounter on a suburban bus, cliff-hanger love stories and darker contemplations come alive through his warm, conversational baritone, which glides to a shivering falsetto for the existential crescendo of Black Swan Song.


- Michael Dwyer, The Age 2006

Brendan Gallagher (frontman of Karma County, producer of Jimmy Little’s Messenger), has finally released his debut solo CD, On Eve St, and it’s a beautiful summation of his rich and varied musical life.
Brendan’s guitars, keyboards and rich baritone voice deliver his tenderly observed characters in songs - the fatally attracted couple on a city bus, bar room philosophers and travelling salesmen - all painted in musical strokes that take the best from the past 5 decades of music, with an array of stellar sidemen.


- Lucky Oceans, The The Planet 
ABC Radio, August 2006

The clue is in the title. There is a real tenderness to ‘DJ Old Brendo’s’ words and music in this simple collection.

The words tumble out in quiet conversations. His exemplary guitar playing has a warmth that, while having the technical skill of a man who’s even written books on the subject, has an ease and humanity which gains your attention, without stridently demanding it.

There are songs of love and long drives up the coast to somewhere you can see the sea. But the love is that between adults and the drive is in the family people mover rather than the sports car with the warm wind in your hair. Or what’s left of it.

To open with a song called Try, Try Again, is the honesty of a man who is still trying to get it – or make it – right. The arrogance has gone and you’re left with your craft and hopefully your faith in love. His experience gives him the knowledge of self – even knowing when you’re ‘three fingers into trouble’. Regrets, he’s had a few. But then again, you can usually get a song out of them. However, he can still appreciate The Wonder Of It All. Like that framed cheque on the wall from that David Bowie session.

See, Mr Gallagher has history. Of course he was/is the lugubrious tones of Karma County. Producer of note for the likes of the venerable Jimmy Little. But it still all comes back to the songs and the sincerity with which he can deliver them. And that’s the way it should be. Classy and crafted, as expected.

Ross Clelland, Drum Media 24.11.09
- Drum Magazine Nov 2009

Headland - Karma County

By Chris Peken

Brendan Gallagher has the most congenial of smiles and the nimblest of fingers. His smooth fretwork on the acoustic guitar has produced five Karma County albums over the last 13 years, so now is as good a time as any to collect 36 songs - past, present and unreleased - into one two-disc retrospective, Headland. With a title that gives away Brendan's coastal origins, Karma County have always been one of the best summer bands, perfect accompaniment for long drives or cool drinking when the temperature rises. These songs also remind you that like Gangagang before them, they can capture a sense of place and space that is very Australian. From the opening Postcard - a song that introduced the band with a bang to local audiences - to the unexpected delight of the Yazoo cover Only You, this collection reminds you how much can be achieved by a quietly spoken, unassuming, but highly-talented drum, double-bass and acoustic guitar trio.

****

Posted by Chris Peken from The Alternative Media Group on 26/09/2008 at 09:51 AM in Music Reviews / Sydney
- Alternative Media Group

Karma County - Headland 7.5/10
KARMA COUNTY?Headland?(Vitamin Records)?7.5/10

?If your one to enjoy easy-listening, first-class Australian music and don’t have a swag of Karma County CDs in your collection, this gem was intended for you. The superior tracks from their five releases can be experienced alongside two new songs, altogether making for an exquisite platter of sublime, wholesome and relaxing music. It’s the kind of music you can listen to on a road trip and let the sparse drumming, unhurried vocals and effortless storylines float into your ears in a non-invasive way. Standouts include: ‘Dexter and Sinistra’ (an ingenious true blue love story performed by Bryan Brown), ‘On The Sacred Sand’ and ‘Happy Birthday Dear Customer’.

Polly - Tsunami Magazine Australia