Lisa Hannigan began her career in early 2001, collaborating with Damien Rice, and embarked on her solo career in 2008 with her debut album, Sea Sew. Passenger is Hannigan’s follow-up album and it definitely hits the mark.
This Irish folk-singer’s tender voice is similar to that of Ingrid Michaelson, but what truly distinguishes this artist is the assortment of her music. Each song on this album goes beyond the typical acoustic-filled chorus and powerful bridge; every successive segment within her songs will surprise listeners, the music throwing them into a whirlwind of stories, even sans lyrics.
This theatrical sense that Passenger offers is most likely due to Hannigan’s own background in theater. Hannigan supports her band with a unique variety of old wind instruments, creating a fresh sound with an aged undertone. “Paper House” is backed by the steady strumming of a guitarm “A Sail” begins by percussion rhythms, and “Knots” consists of high-pitched string instruments. Lisa Hannigan succeeds in keeping listeners entertained in a subtle manner. I wouldn’t be surprised if her North American tour (which begins on October 11) is sold out.