Tychonaut

Country of origin:

Ireland

Type of music generally:

Beautiful & fierce ethereal alternative pop

Status:

Final release, Love Life (2003)

See also:

Irish Music Central's info on Tychonaut

The Ectophiles' Guide's entry for Plague Monkeys (Donal O'Mahony and singer Carol Keogh's previous project) and Natural History Museum, a larger project of Carol Keogh's

Singer Carol Keogh's site

Comparisons:

The band's overall sound is a little like Two Loons for Tea; singer Carol Keogh's voice is very reminiscent of Kate Bush

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

Tychonaut (originally known as The Tycho Brahe) were an Irish band that were wonderfully creative musically and the singer—Carol Keogh—has a gorgeous, evocative voice. I find their music irresistable and tracked down both albums even though the newer took an investment in both time and money. Their sound is definitely worth it to me. Such gorgeous music! Why hasn't everyone heard of this band? (Neile)

Recommended first album:

Any you can find: This is is easier to find, but Love Life is utterly worth it, too

Recordings:

• This is (2002)
• Love Life (2003)

This is

Release info:

2002—Rubyworks—RWXCD16 (re-released 2004 Konstantin)

Availability:

Ireland

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Donal O'Mahony, Carol Keogh, Diarmuid MacDiarmada

Guest artists:

Daniel Figgis—processed harmonium (9)
Kim Porcelli—double bass (1); cello (7, 9)

Produced by:

Donal O'Mahony and Diarmuid MacDiarmada

Comments:

Such a gorgeous album! A great introduction to a wonderful band. This should have made a much larger splash than it did. Highly recommended. (Neile)

This Is... is very rewarding (if a little out there), but don't bother if you have cheap electronics. It's very well produced, but subtle. (phclark@uswest.net)

Love Life

Release info:

2003—Konstanin—KON022

Availability:

Out of print and hard to find

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Donal O'Mahony, Carol Keogh, Diarmuid MacDiarmada

Guest artists:

Kim Porcelli—cello (disc 1 tracks 1 and 5, disc 2 tracks 1 and 2); string arrangement (disc 2 track 2); vocals (disc 2 track 11, disc 2 track 8)
Cormac Eoin Mac Diarumada—violin (disc 1 track 12)
John Dermondy—vocals (disc 2 track 11, disc 1 track 3)
Dip Porcelli—vocals (disc 1 track 3, disc 2 track 11, disc 2 track 8)
Simon O Conor—vocals (disc 2 track 8)

Produced by:

Donal O'Mahony and Diarmuid MacDiarmada

Comments:

Love Life is a two-disc album, with one album Love and the other Life. They are both equally inventive, gorgeous, fun, and amazing, and yes, heartbreaking. Terrific lyrics, musicianship, and vocals. A must-have. (Neile)

At turns experimental, anthemic, heartbreaking, it's one of my favorite albums ever. (lotterose @ gmail . com)