Dublin’s rising alt-rock quartet, Ten Hail Marys, debuted their EP ‘Faults I May Have’ on January 3rd, delivering a guitar-driven rollercoaster of youthful energy, introspection, and stirring observations. For fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Wunderhorse, U2, and Depeche Mode, this EP offers a gritty exploration of identity and the struggles of modern life.
Opening with the energetic “America,” the EP immediately immerses listeners in its vibrant sound. The distorted intro and mesmerizing electric guitar solo set the tone, capturing the elusive promises of the “American Dream” through lyrics such as: “let me tell you something about California; it’s not cold there anymore.” The track continues with emotional depth as the vocalist admits, “I feel so ashamed ’cause you don’t feel the same, and I feel so to blame ’cause I forget your name but I can’t forget your face.” The mix of different sounds makes you feel kind of rebellious but also makes you think about previous relationships.
The pace shifts with “Anne Marie,” a high-energy love letter brimming with heartfelt lyrics like “You’ve got special powers, you could change a thousand lives.” A nostalgic sounding voice over introduces the track, and the fast guitar picking channels the spirit of Blink-182—particularly reminiscent of tracks like “Adam’s Song.” The seamless interplay of intricate guitar work and a standout instrumental outro highlights the band’s tight cohesion and knack for creating compelling rock anthems.
“I Still See Your Face” slows things down while maintaining that intensity you can feel throughout the whole EP. The drum-led intro transitions into a guitar-forward soundscape, with lyrics like “On my left is an angel, on my right is the devil” evoking an internal struggle. A mid-song slowdown, featuring Arctic Monkeys-esque distortion, adds a haunting, reflective layer to the track.
The dreamlike “I Had a Dream” builds from a lighter guitar riff into a distorted but still tender tune with love themes underlying. Lyrics such as “Must I cry for you to believe me?” are sure to strike a chord with many listeners, capturing vulnerability with universal appeal. The track’s dynamic shifts between gentle verses and heavier choruses highlight the band’s impressive range and depth.
The EP closes with “Echoes,” a slower, more contemplative piece. The hazy, slurred vocals are overshadowed by a mesmerizing instrumental backdrop, creating a hypnotic atmosphere. It’s a strong ending, inviting listeners to process the journey of the previous tracks.
”Faults I May Have” is a strong debut from Ten Hail Marys, blending raw, guitar-driven energy with lyrics that delve into themes of youth, love, and self-discovery. The band’s tight instrumental synergy and clever production like the use of distortion create a compelling listen that offers variety without losing focus.
”Faults I May Have” gets a very strong 7.5 OUT OF 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography