In this edition of T.L.M.T’s song of the week feature The Mixed-Tape we turn our attention I Have A Tribe and his new song ‘Scandinavia’.

“I’d Rather Be Alone” muses Patrick O’Laoghaire on I Have A Tribe’s latest offering ‘Scandinavia’ (accompanied at times by Conor O’Brien), a sentiment we’ve all expressed in one form or another but one O’Laoghaire gives added pathos to through the sheer will in his voice alone. His ability to affect those listening with just four well placed words is what sets him apart.

There is something astoundingly special about how I Have A Tribe’s songwriter speaks to the listener. The lyrics are spartan, lines are stark and direct while still maintaining a sense of ambiguity in which room is left to derive your own meaning from it. The music is self is soaked in dream-like washes of harmonic textures and perfectly placed chords.

Music is an internal experience. Whether it be sitting alone playing records or standing as part of a bustling crowd in packed venue, the act of listening is all our own. We interpret and half-remember in different ways and add our own meanings to the music, this was the case for me when first hearing I Have A Tribe perform ‘Scandinavia’ at the Button Factory during HWCH 2013.

Since then O’Laoghaoire has grown beyond all expectations, releasing the stunning Yellow Raincoats E.P. last year and continuing to spellbind gig goers with his ethereal presence. ‘Scandinavia’ is I Have A Tribe at his lyrical best. Bare boned, raw yet still relatable.

To read previous additions to the feature click here or you can listen to TLMT’s special ‘The Mixed Tape’ Spotify playlist. 

Click below to listen to this week’s addition to the Mixed-Tape, ‘Scandinavia’ byI Have A Tribe.