Front Row Seats – On My Mind (2022)
Ireland-based musician Chris Comhaill says that for him “music is about community and connection – with other musicians and the audience”, and in his new project, Front Row Seats, he couldn’t be clearer. The pseudonym of Comhaill, Front Row Seats is a collaborative effort where Comhaill works with various artists bringing us a unique, eclectic neo-soul sound. With only two tracks to his discography, he might be considered a minnow amidst sonic sharks, but if he is a minnow then he is a bright, shiny and noticeable minnow.
Following the debut single ‘Golden Ticket’, Front Row Seats present an astounding sound in the sophomore track ‘On My Mind’. Slightly longer than most tracks that find their way to my virtual desk, ‘On My Mind’ stands at almost seven minutes long – but what a magical seven minutes it is. Bringing through elements of old-school soul and funk, Front Row Seats has us taking a nostalgic sigh back to the 1970s and 1980s. Yet, while there is a lean toward yesteryear, the song has a modern-day funk edginess.
I would love to compare Front Row Seats to a particular established artist, but this is near impossible. No, actually, it is impossible with the artist having a sound that is purely Front Row Seats. Bluesy drums meld with jazz-filled guitars and keys making the song very soothing and smooth; however, I have to mention the guitar solo and how its powerful riffs bring a rock-inspired edge into the charming soul song.
One aspect I find intriguing about ‘On My Mind’ is how all instruments receive attention while still melding together in a united whole. Approximately halfway through the track, the sweet, sensual vocals cease giving way to a guitar solo followed promptly by a keyboard solo. The intriguing part is how everything is emotive and provocative sending your soul soaring without any letting up…then the vocals re-enter and ‘On My Mind’ ends with warm sensuality.
Sincere, sentimental and intoxicating, Front Row Seats will be on my mind all day with their single ‘On My Mind’.
For more from Front Row Seats check out the official website, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
