Mumblin Deaf Ro
Mumblin’ Deaf Ro is a Dublin-based songwriter who writes finger-picking storytelling folk songs on topics as diverse as the longing of a lovelorn mental patient, the exhaustion of a novice priest, the economic failures of an outgoing Latin American President and the last words of a drowning man.
Ro has released two albums to date on Villain records (’Senor, My Friend . . .’ in 2003 and ‘The Herring and the Brine’ in 2007). The music is largely finger-picking folk imbued with an idiosyncratic pop sensibility. Here’s what reviews said about his albums:
“A rare thing: a genuine cult classic.” **** - The Irish Times
“One of Ireland's most extraordinary talents.” – Totally Dublin
“Line after line of telling, thoughtful, witty wordplay tumbles into the music . . . Dublin's Mumblin' Deaf Ro really makes it sound easy.” **** Foggy Notions
“Brilliant but criminally underrated songwriter.” – Mongrel
“What's just as interesting about this record is that it sounds like one minstrel's quest to distance his music from everyone else's. Such fearlessness is unusual - and deserves to be rewarded.” - RTE
“Philosophical as well as lyrical. It will be interesting to see where he brings this special awareness next - 7/10” – Hot Press
“’The Herring and the Brine’ is the best Irish album I've heard so far this year.” – MP3Hugger Blog
“A debut home-recorded work that dazzles with talent throughout. Each one of the ten folk-tinged songs is instantly memorable, and branded with a refreshing individuality.” - Cluas
History In The Backroom
8th Feb 2008 - Support to Large Mound