PREMIERE: Papa Boyle – Tranquillo (2024)
Inspired by the likes of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison, singer-songwriter Papa Boyle’s music is tinged with the golden years of rock ‘n’ roll. Yet, a more contemporary feel brings vibrance and youth to Papa Boyle’s vintage sound drawing from Kings of Leon, Orville Peck and Father John Misty. The Ireland-based musician takes listeners across eras and generations with his new meets old concoction of indie-rock. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Tranquillo’.
Following the well-received tracks ‘Between Two Fools’ and ‘Last Chance Saloon’, Papa Boyle delves further into the intricacies of life with ‘Tranquillo’. ‘Between Two Fools’ tapped on the complexities of relationships observing “how things can pan out when a big decision is made in a relationship”; ‘Tranquillo’ steps back to everyday life and explores the yearning for peacefulness in this 21st century rat race. Interestingly, the tune began with Papa Boyle writing down the word “Tranquillo” to be used in a song… it ended up being the song – an unconscious laying bare of his innermost emotions and opinions? Just a thought.
Just as the lyrical content of ‘Tranquillo’ brims with profound introspection, reflection and honesty, the melody has its own brand of complexity. Laidback, toe-tapping and charming, ‘Tranquillo’ is the perfect song for a road trip when you need to escape things. A combination of indie-rock and rock ‘n’ roll twirls about with the soft hint of vintage crooner – something hard and heavy but simultaneously soothing and warm.
For me, however, it is Papa Boyle’s rich vocals that shine brightest. Gritty, gruff and weighty, but smooth, warm and chilled-out. Sincere and confident, but a sliver of vulnerable relief caressing your heart and removing the daily grind with an elegant sweep of sound.
In addition to the single, Papa Boyle released an official music video for ‘Tranquillo’. The video can be viewed below and on Papa Boyle’s YouTube channel.
Find out more about Papa Boyle on his X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
Listen to more indie-rock music on The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist:
