Robin James Hurt is back with a powerful new folk-rock anthem, Take Me Home, just in time for St. Patrick’s Week. A song of longing, resilience, and the deep ties of home, it carries the weight of history in its lyrics while delivering a frenzied, foot-stomping sound that just begs to be played live.
The track, penned by Tony Floyd Kenna with music by Hurt, tells the story of an Irish emigrant who left for foreign shores to work and rebuild a war-ravaged land, only to return decades later, standing once more at Killala Station. The song’s catchy chorus and hook are set at the station with the line “Killala Station, take me home once more”. There’s a sense of urgency in the journey which is also mirrored in the song’s relentless pace. They’re going to need a breather after playing this one live.
Musically, Take Me Home is an electrifying mix of folk, country, and traditional Irish influences. Hurt’s signature blend of intricate guitar work, mandolin, and fiddle gives the song a rich, textured feel. The driving rhythm and quick tempo make it sound almost celebratory despite its serious subject matter. Think The Chieftains meets Guided by Voices, a sound that’s become known as lofolk.
The record is captured on a vintage Tascam eight-track cassette recorder, the production has a raw, organic feel that only adds to the song. Hurt handles vocals, guitars, bass, and mandolin, while Ian McTigue’s drumming and Gosia Gasior’s fiddle/backing vocals bring extra fire to the track.
Like I’ve mentioned above, I think the best way to experience this song will be live and fans have plenty of opportunities. Hunt will be performing throughout Ireland in the coming months, including St. Patrick’s Week shows:
March 16 – Boyle’s, Slane, Co. Meath
March 17 – Toss Byrne’s, Inch, Gorey, Co. Wexford
March 21 – Toale’s, Dundalk, Co. Louth
April 21 & May 5 – The Parnell, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow
May 3 – The Four Provinces, Dublin (Supporting Colum Sands)
July 27 – The Phil Murphy Weekend Folk Festival, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford
Catch a live show if you can! The track releases March 14th, 2025
‘Take Me Home’ takes a nice 7 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography
Photo credit – BerryJamStudios