Belfast risers The All Clear release of their musically rich and warming debut album Harbour Songs.
Formed in 2023, the band is led by Joe O’Sullivan, a seasoned musician whose dual identity as both a frontman and consultant oncologist brings a unique depth to their music. The debut album displays some wonderful indie musicality comparable to the likes of The National, The Temper Trap and Doves with its intricate guitar work, melancholic moods and infectious melodies. From the tight , delay drenched picked guitars of the albums opener ‘Northern Souls’, to the Americana tinged ‘Simplest Things’, to the sawing synths and high energy arrangement of ‘Show Me Your Love’, the album displays a range of sonic approaches, all centred around the accessible and emotionally driven songwriting.
Band leader and songwriter Joe O’Sullivan, who has been treating prostate cancer patients for over two decades, uses his life experiences—both personal and professional—to shape the band’s lyrical and emotional landscape. The name The All Clear itself is a poignant nod to the relief that cancer patients feel when they hear the words “all clear” signaling hope and recovery. Backing Joe is a talented trio of musicians: Joe Craig on bass, Ali Donnelly on drums, and Oisín O’Sullivan, Joe’s son, on backing vocals.
Together, they create a sound that is both introspective and powerful, blending indie rock with personal storytelling in a way that feels both intimate and universal. The tracks ‘The Boy Who Cried A Dozen Times A Day’ and ‘In Your Love’ showcase Joe’s ability to tackle vulnerability and emotional complexity with grace whilst simultaneously delivering some wonderful and catchy musicality. Each song on the album paints a picture of a man reflecting on life’s transformations, drawing not just from heartbreak and love, but also from the hope and resilience he witnesses in his work with cancer patients.
Listen below:
