review
review
Tokyo comes to Galway
Acclaimed American songwriter Tokyo Rosenthal returns to Galway this month with a solo acoustic show at Monroe's Live, as part of a two-week Irish and UK tour.
Tokyo's country-tinged folk features starkly poetic lyrics and evocative sounds reminiscent of artists such as James Taylor, Kris Kristofferson and Sun Kil Moon.
It is, as one critic described it, 'Americana with real teeth'. Tokyo's songs run the gamut from dusty laments on love lost to politically-tinged odes to a long-gone industrial America.
Stylistically, Rosenthal treads the line between roots, country and blues, and audiences at Monroe's Live Backstage Bar can expect some rousing foot-stomping numbers thrown in for good measure.
An accomplished guitarist with an achingly beautiful voice, his depiction of the Canadian city of Edmonton led to Tokyo being presented with the Key to the City by Edmonton's Mayor.
Indeed, he has immortalised Ireland in song and he will be honoured this week by the Mayor of County Clare as part of The Gathering for his song 'Killaloe'.
Tokyo's latest album, 'Tokyo's Fifth' is undoubtedly his most accomplished work to date and reached number four in the Euro Americana charts.
Catch Tokyo Rosenthal live this Sunday 12 May at the Backstage Bar in Monroe's Live, voted the Best Venue in Ireland 2012. Taking things into the small hours will be local covers band, Lunar Playground, playing all the best tunes from past and present.
Doors open at 10.30pm and admission is €5. For more information and to become a Monroe's Live member for free, visit Monroes.ie.
galway independent
Monday, May 27, 2013