Rory & The Island tap into the dusty soul of vintage country and Americana on “Demons”, a heartfelt single that feels like it drifted in on a midnight radio signal from another era. Built around themes of love, resilience, and pulling yourself out of the darkness through human connection, the track carries emotional weight without ever tipping into melodrama.
There’s an honesty at the centre of Rory’s songwriting that gives “Demons” its punch. The lyrics wrestle openly with depression and self-doubt, but the song never sounds defeated. Instead, it leans toward hope, the kind earned through hard miles and hard lessons. Rory’s vocal delivery is warm and unguarded, perfectly suited to the track’s reflective mood.
The single is beautifully understated. Rory handles guitar, bass, and drums himself, giving the recording a personal, almost homespun quality that works in its favour. Every part feels deliberate, serving the song rather than overshadowing it. The arrangement is elevated further by the subtle contributions of Damien McGeehan and his father Paul, whose fiddle and pedal steel work add depth, texture, and a timeless country ache to the sound.
“Demons” doesn’t shout for attention. It lingers instead, thoughtful, vulnerable, and quietly defiant. In an age of overproduced singles chasing instant impact, Rory & The Island have delivered something far rarer, a song with heart, humanity, and staying power.
”Demons” comes in with a 6.5 out of 10
Reviewer – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic