Over the past few months, we’ve been following along – step by step as Dublin songstress Ava Vox edges closer towards the release of ‘Immortalised’, her much-anticipated debut album. The pseudonym of Elaine Hannon, formerly of 1980s gothic rock / post-punk band The Seventh Veil, this is her first long-player since launching this project in 2020.
In this collection of eight tracks, Ava Vox puts it all on the line, exposing herself at her most vulnerable, yet showing great resilience despite, at times, feeling damaged. She offers an extremely enjoyable set of recordings – commendable indeed, especially for a debut album. Drawing on her influences, Ava Vox manages to deliver something that is unique and inspired, rather than painfully derivative. Chalk it up to the timeless power of raw emotion and strong understanding of her craft.
This long-player was previewed by two powerful lead tracks – ‘Alone Again’ features bassist James Blennerhassett (Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones, Marianne Faithful, Van Morrison) and drummer Robbie Casserly (Elvis Costello, Mark Knopfler, The Commitments, Riverdance). ‘Crash’ is a post-punk banger with lively video, produced by Isaac Burke, echoing an ominous warning about environmental devastation as the world crashes down.
Original compositions include ‘One Sweet Goodbye’, which involves a 23 Piece String Ensemble/Orchestra by the Four for Music Ltd, Sofia Session Orchestra based in Sofia, Bulgaria. This album also features Ava’s rendition of The Cure’s ‘Love Song’,Soft Cell’s ‘Tainted Love’ and David Bowie’s ‘Life on Mars’.
‘Immortalised’ was produced by Ray McLoughlin (RMC Recording Studios), who has performed or recorded with innumerable artists, including Cliff Richard, Daniel O’Donnell, Francis Black and Rick Astley, and also served as musical director for shows for RTE, BBC, PBS America and SKY.
A Dublin native, Ava Vox now lives in County Meath. With a unique vocal timbre and commanding delivery, her musical style ranges from goth rock and post-punk to slow melodic atmospheric and dynamic rock.
At 17, Elaine quickly graduating from backing to lead vocalist of The Seventh Veil, which disbanded in 1991 after significant airplay and excellent reviews and winning the Battle of the Bands competition, the prize for which was recording time with Dublin producer Paul Thomas(U2, Kate Bush, UB40, Status Quo, Davy Spillane and Clannad).
On March 25, she and band members Agris Siksna (aka George), Rick Johnston and Nigel O’Driscoll, play the ‘Immortalised’ album release show at 86 Thomas Street in Dublin. That same day, Ava Vox’s ‘Immortalised’ LP is out everywhere online and can be bought directly from the artist via Bandcampat. https://avavoxmusic.bandcamp.com/album/immortalised
CREDITS
Vocals by Ava Vox
Keyboard by Ray McLoughlin
Guitar by Enda Dempsey
Bass Guitar by James Blennerhassett
Drums by Robbie Casserly
Lyrics and music written by The Seventh Veil
Produced by Ava Vox & Ray McLoughlan at RMC Recording Studios, Westmeath, Ireland
Engineered by Michael Nestor
Cover artwork by creative photographer Robin Hannon
Model: Claudia Pérez
‘Crash’ video produced by Isaac Burke
Artist photos by Laelia Milleri
Costumery by fashion designer Claire Garvey
TRACK LIST
1. Crash
2. Silent Tear
3. Alone Again
4. One Sweet Goodbye
5. Tainted Love
6. Heart of Good Intention
7. Life on Mars
8. Lovesong
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