My Nuclear Radio
My Nuclear Radio is the brand new album release from singer songwriter Jim McHugh. This 11 track album includes the singles ‘Marjorie’, Everythings Cool, Avenue Road and My Mandalay was recorded, produced and mastered in Ben Reel’s studio in South Armagh. It features Jim on Vocals/Mandolin/Electric Guitar, Paul McCabe on Bass, Butch McNeill on Drums and John McCullagh on Piano/Keyboards.
The album varies in style from alternative indie rock to folk. The themes of love, fidelity, mental well-being and redemption are provided throughout the 11 tracks echoing in the melancholic arrangements and lyrics.
My Nuclear Radio will be available on all digital formats for streaming/download.
Praise so far
My Mandalay : RTÉ Radio 1 recommends playlist November/December 2019
My Nuclear Radio: Album of the week 18Sep2019 – Roddie Cleere, KCLR
Everything’s Cool: Song of the week 22Aug2018 – Roddie Cleere, KCLR
My Nuclear Radio is the fascinating new album from dynamic multi-instrumentalist Jim McHugh who has been receiving steady radio play over the last couple of years since the release of Noise Machine back in 2016.
His steady stream of singles have all been played nationally and internationally and he has garnered himself a wide cross-section of fans from across the globe. McHugh’s music is one of those fascinating hybrids of sound where it feels as though everything is in but the kitchen sink. The result however is that it never comes across as overly busy as far as a collection of sounds go; but instead it appears as though McHugh has carefully crafted a series of melodies that each compliment the others perfectly as he expertly blends gospel and country, folk and blues and rock and traditional. McHugh has a wealth of genres that he has carefully infused with one-another and yet his every song seems so delicately balanced.
As though he is dancing on the end of a knife, McHugh has a stunning aptitude when it comes to his music as it comes across as intrinsically complicated but also the most natural and effortless thing in the world. His nonchalant mannerisms and calm and collected vocals provide a soul-soothing collection that leave you relaxed and transposed into some other alternate plain. McHugh also has a strong tie to Indie music and with My Nuclear Radio he’s expanded on this and with every track it feels as though you can see the gears shifting in his head. At times, especially with songs like Shadow Sun, it feels as though his music wouldn’t be out of place in something like Life is Strange. It’s the right level of laid-back to leave you relaxed and yet have something tugging at the edges of your heart.
My Nuclear Radio might be a soft and even sombre affair but there is something so beautifully heartfelt within it. No matter the weather, there is something within McHugh’s work that warms you to the core like a fire in the depths of winter. It’s a charmed and tender album that can wash away your woes with a few choice chords.
https://www.artree.org.uk/?s=Jim+Mchugh
The Kinks sang about Lola, The Velvet Underground sang about Sweet Jane, and in Monaghan singer-songwriter Jim McHugh’s new single, sings about Marjorie. There’s a bit of Lou Reed in McHugh’s distinctive voice, and the infectious guitar riffs at the get go cast shades of when Dylan went electric- Expertly crafted and nonetheless playful, McHugh advises Marjorie to ‘just let it all hang out’ and stop worrying so much. Advice we all could adhere to from time to time, and by the second or third listen, you’ll find that you have.
Noelle Ellis, Gigging NI
https://www.giggingni.com/2019/05/ni-music-summary-april-2019/
Listen to the Chorus. Listen to the filler electric guitar. Listen to Jim’s vocals. You really should. Its Endearing. Its delightful. Its that good time that you’d never thought could exist. It does. Jim and the gang make’s it so in the single.
Praise for ‘Noise Machine’
‘Jim brings a new dynamic to folk music as he cleverly infuses traditional styles with an uptempo and raw indie style (even the odd ballad) that creates something very different for the Irish music scene’. - Chantelle Frampton, Gigging NI.
https://www.giggingni.com/2017/10/review-jim-mchugh-noise-machine/
‘And that’s the charm of Noise Machine, it’s uncultured, indie folk driven rock that has a vibrant beating heart. From the driving single ‘Red Rose’, the catchy ‘River Won’t Flow’, the rootsy ‘My Destiny’ and ‘Help Her Help Me, to the almost Velvet Underground reminiscent ‘Do You Remember’, there’s a rich vein of potential coursing through the grooves of this record’. - Pete Whalley.
http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2017/09/quick-plays-levi-cuss-jim-mchugh/
‘This music clearly has deep-seated roots - cultural, musical and social - and like all music with roots, it takes many forms. There's abrasive folk rock with edge and irritation, wrenching ballads with anguish and distress. There’s personal recognition and unrestrained observation’. – Charlie Elland