Omagh songwriter Michael McCullagh is back with the latest single under his Son of the Hound moniker. After a 2014 album released under the name Meb Jon Sol, McCullagh turned his attentions to a new project and a new direction last year with his first release as Son of the Hound.
The first single ‘Pilgrim’ moved like a western with its whistled melody and rolling guitars. The next single ‘Galway Rain’ took another approach altogether, that of traditional Irish folk. Now on his third release, McCullagh showcases his versatility with another sound on ‘I.O.U’.
Ditching the acoustic guitars, ‘I.O.U’ wears its rockier roots proudly on its sleeve. Persistent pianos, references to ‘gin and lime’ and the song’s raw production combine to create a real bar rocker. Recorded live at Millbank Studios, with the odd overdub, the track’s refrain exemplifies down-on-your-luck optimism.