Barry J Walsh, the Irish songsmith, is lighting the fuse on a summer kaboom with “Suddenly June.” This track comes hot on the heels of last year’s hits “Rescue Me” and “The Sound” – songs that had radio DJs wearing out their play buttons. Walsh is proving he’s got the chops when it comes to whipping up guitar-driven bangers that stick like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. This isn’t muzak for your dentist’s waiting room; it’s a pedal-to-the-metal, wind-in-your-hair dash for the seaside.
Forget subtle intros. “Suddenly June” kicks off like Sunday morning bells on a chilly November walk, all bright acoustic strums and gentle keys lulling you… before Walsh stomps on the distortion like he’s trying to wake the dead. Chunky chords crash in, a sneaky riff wraps itself around the melody, and drums start pounding like they owe the song money. It’s like summer decided to bust through the clouds and slap winter right in the face. From there on out, it’s pure, sweaty, joyful heat.
But “Suddenly June” isn’t merely sonic sunshine; it’s got heart and smarts too. Walsh hits on something we all know deep down, whipping up a rock anthem that makes you wanna count your lucky stars. There’s this creeping self-awareness and a big ol’ dose of thankfulness cutting through all the shiny production. He totally nails that feeling of missing the good stuff right under your nose: “sometimes I forget that you are there, even though without you I’m nowhere.”
The magic once again happens at the family forge: Walsh’s son Oisin (frontman of Spearside) takes charge in his studio, laying down some killer drums and adding all these little touches that make the song pop. It’s like watching a father-son duo absolutely crush it together.
Released on May 23rd via Walsh’s own Rufus Records, “Suddenly June” is available everywhere digital tunes are blasted. Barry J Walsh has bottled the feeling of tar melting on the street, ice cream dripping down your wrist, and the sheer, unbridled joy of raising the volume as the sun beats down. This is power pop at its absolute best – instantly catchy, impossible to resist, and a must-have for your summer playlist. Surfs up, baby!