9/10
There's something wonderfully unhinged about SexyTadhg's debut EP that makes it impossible to ignore. This isn't your typical indie darling or polished pop confection – it's five tracks of pure theatrical chaos that somehow coheres into something genuinely affecting.
The first thing that hits you is that voice. SexyTadhg's baritone has this odd quality where it can swing from camp cabaret crooner to genuinely moving balladeer, sometimes within the same song. It shouldn't work, but it absolutely does. There's a confidence here that borders on audacious – the kind of performer who knows they own the room before they've even opened their mouth.
Musically, this is all over the place in the best possible way. Big band flourishes crash into modern production techniques, while jazz sensibilities get twisted through a distinctly queer lens. It's like someone threw a Pride parade, a 1940s nightclub, and a contemporary recording studio into a blender. The result is messy, ambitious, and frequently brilliant.
"Think of Me" emerges as a powerful and defiant statement, showcasing SexyTadhg's ability to channel raw emotion into something that feels both personal and universal. Meanwhile, "Ride The Wave" builds anthemically, gathering momentum until it feels like a rallying cry that could fill stadiums. These tracks demonstrate an artist who isn't interested in playing it safe or fitting into neat categories.
"Ceannasacht" offers a different side entirely – here, SexyTadhg's voice becomes contained and crooning, perfectly suited to the track's loungey atmosphere. It's a smart showcase of vocal versatility that highlights the EP's impressive range.
The EP reaches its crescendo with closing track "Claim My Love," a euphoric blend of big band jazz, theatrical soul, and dazzling pop that feels like the ultimate expression of everything SexyTadhg represents. Bursting with brass, keys, layered harmonies, and a groove-rich rhythm section, the track channels the grandiosity of Tadhg's live shows while showcasing their magnetic, commanding vocal presence. "No act of self love is more rewarding and fulfilling than setting personal boundaries and protecting your peace," explains SexyTadhg on the track. "Don't you play with my emotions and then try to 'Claim my Love.'"
SexyTadhg describes this collection as an introduction to their persona – the drag, the power, the armor that protects. There's something moving about how they frame these songs as moments of self-discovery, recorded over two years with countless collaborators. You can hear that collaborative spirit in the orchestral arrangements and bold instrumentation, but also feel the deeply personal journey underneath all the theatrical flourishes.
What's refreshing is how the political messaging never feels preachy. Yes, this is clearly an artist with things to say about queer identity and Irish culture, but it comes through the music rather than despite it.
This is a debut with real personality – something increasingly rare in an era of algorithmic blandness. When an artist calls their work "orchestral, bold, beautiful, truthful, honest," you might roll your eyes. But SexyTadhg has earned the right to such grand proclamations. They've created something that feels genuinely necessary, a shot of pure creative energy that reminds you why music can still surprise and provoke
Stream the whole collection below
