In 911, the Vikings landed at Drogheda. Just shy of 1110 years later, a young, clean-shaven, glasses-wearing lad from this industrial town 50 miles north of Dublin is set to invade the ears of contemporary pop aficionados. On Rat Race, Barry Moore brings together the 30 years he has spent on earth, from his native Ireland to Paris via California and Spain. There are some big detours here, both geographic and stylistic. Because when you're a fan of Paul Simon and Eminem, The Beatles and reggae, Ed Sheeran’s folk debuts and Blur, as he is, it's not easy to find your own voice. But Barry Moore manages it. A few listens are enough to cement his slightly nasal vocals in your mind, filled with both inner and outer energy. Starting off on the streets of Dublin with his acoustic guitar, Barry Moore’s music was soon enriched. Coming under the tutelage of Maxim Nucci aka Yodelice (who participated in this successful debut album), Moore opened for Jain and spent hours in the studio making his songs more lavish and modern. A simple folk guitar here (Motion), electro touches there (The Little Things), a few sprinkles of reggae (The Tide) and a few catchy choruses too (Hey Now); the Irishman living in Paris jumps around the multicoloured musical world with ease. Even if this project is very pop in its approach, Barry Moore never falls into the trap of complacency or taking the easy route. In short, here’s a voice worth looking out for. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz