Bren Holmes officially returns to the spotlight with his second solo album ‘A Rush To The Start Line’ available on CD starting February 6. This new collection of music marks a significant shift for the Los Angeles based singer and songwriter as he moves toward a diverse palette of indie rock and alt-pop. The lead single “Ordinary World (For Sinéad)” serves as a propulsive and melancholic tribute to the late Irish icon Sinéad O’Connor. Co-produced by Bryan Dobbs, the track features a heavy bass and drum foundation inspired by the brooding atmosphere of The National.
The ten track album demonstrates a matured approach to songwriting that draws from the punk, ska, and pop influences of the artist’s youth in Ireland. Tracks like the anthemic “Gloria” tell heart wrenching stories of resilience while “Don’t Say You Will” offers a high energy pop vibe paired with a narrative of heartbreak. The record features an impressive roster of guest musicians including bassist Paul Bushnell and guitarist Bob Boulding. This project highlights a creator who prioritizes strong melodic hooks and authentic storytelling above specific genre boundaries.
Every arrangement on the record feels incredibly cohesive and underscores a major leap in vocal confidence. The transition from the Irish rock sound of The Young Dubliners to this more personal indie pop territory is a triumph of artistic evolution. Listeners encounter a wide range of emotions from the celebratory “Shine” to the festive and reflective album closer “Song for Christmas.” The production quality remains crisp and allows the intricate guitar layers and sincere lyrical delivery to remain at the forefront of the mix.
The track listing for ‘A Rush To The Start Line’ includes:
- Gloria
- Don’t Say You Will
- Ordinary World (For Sinéad)
- Need Some Time
- Shine
- Dreamin’
- The Way
- Satisfied
- This One
- Song For Christmas