Individually, the members of Fínn have been active on the local music scene for years, but only in 2020 did the long-time friends come together as a group. Formed around the talents of vocalist Nicole McMonagle and guitarists Niall Hanna and Mark McCrory, Fínn are releasing their debut EP after months of successful livestreamed gigs, including Cuppa Tea TV’s Blossom sessions and Luke Kelly tribute.
Keen gig-goers may recognise Hanna and McCrory from their work together in HAYPARK and McMonagle from her countless sessions around Ireland, including a coveted slot in Dublin’s Ruby Sessions with David Keenan. Combining their styles and expertise, the trio realised that together they have something special.
Appropriately named Tosú (from the Irish for ‘beginning’), the extended play comprises three newly-penned original tracks. Fínn have an electric folk sound with strong influences of blues rock and elements of Irish trad.
Opening with the bluesy rhythm on ‘Pale’, McMonagle’s falsetto soars as the track gains momentum, erupting into heavy blues guitar that you can’t help but tap your foot along to. The brooding second track ‘What’s Mine’ rumbles along with ominous restraint, promising “I feel fine / I’m taking what’s mine”. The gentle plucking is hypnotic and has a timelessness to it. You can just imagine the transfixed live audience for this song. Closing with the driving bass of ‘Waiting in the Still’, McMonagle’s vocals intertwine beautifully with the frolicking guitar licks. The haunting quality of her voice brings tenderness to an otherwise riff-fuelled track.
Fínn don’t sound like anything on the NI circuit at the moment. Their unique blend of folk, blues and trad puts Tosú in the perfect position to harness fans from both the rock and acoustic scenes. Expect to see more of them in the coming months.
