Years in the making, The Swallows EP is Dawna’s second EP and it’s one that feels both deeply personal in a way only Dawna can make it.
Sitting at over 345,000 plays already from previously released singles, Dawna’s storytelling has truly struck a chord with fans. This collection is a celebration of home, heart, and heritage and family wrapped up in that distinctive Dawna rasp that’s become his trademark.
Opening track Swallows drifts in with a subtle warmth. The instrumentation is soft and gliding. The writing here really shows how good Dawna is. One of my favourite lines was “when summer arrives and the warm winds they blow, I’ll love you more than you ever could know.” It felt instantly nostalgic… yet still so distinctly his own.
Then comes Blue & Gold, already somewhat of an anthem thanks to its connection with the Tipperary hurling team. This track has found its way onto RTÉ television and has been performed at the Tipperary homecoming in Semple Stadium. With lyrics that get a whole country fired up it’s pure pride and passion distilled into a roaring melody. The song carries a communal spirit, a love letter to sport, home, and brotherhood, and it’s easy to see why it’s become one of his most beloved tracks.
In My Heart and Alright in a Minute are full of emotion, with the former offering a touching reflection on loss. Dawna’s ability to write songs that can be “ramped up or stripped back” really shines in these two. They feel designed for the stage alive with crowd potential, yet intimate enough for a quiet listen at home.
The fan-favourite Mo Chailín, Mo Chroí is a special one, written with Jamie McIntyre and recently performed alongside Aoife Nolan during Jamie’s sold-out Irish tour. There’s something truly moving about hearing it live, often sung among the crowd with a sea of phone lights swaying in time. If you haven’t paid it a listen yet you’re missing out on something really wonderful. The Famine follows, pulling no punches as Dawna turns his gaze toward Irish history, pairing striking honesty with traditional instrumentation that feels rooted in Irish soil. There’s some great lines thrown in there and a chorus that I’m sure will go down a treat at his upcoming live shows.
Closing with No Place, the EP lands on a note that’s as emotional as it is beautiful. Featuring a voiceover from his daughter, it’s a touching finale that perfectly sums up Dawna’s essence, heartfelt, grounded, and family-centred. It’s the kind of track that really connects with a wide range of people. Fans have been singing it back to him at recent shows under a buzzing of lights and it’s hard not to get emotional when listening to this one.
The Swallows EP is the sound of an artist coming into full flight. Poetic, proud, and full of heart.
The Swallows EP has flowing in with a 8.5 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography