TOM HOGAN - Keeping It Real

The first of our home grown Scottish releases this time comes from Hamilton based TOM HOGAN, who was most recently been touring around the clubs as one half of Tequilla. “Keeping It Real”, is all Tom’s own work. He wrote all 10 songs (one co-written with Frank Young), played all the instruments, and produced the whole project, which was recorded in Strathaven.
The album is given a full sound, and features a good variety of songs. The album kicks off with “Heart Of The Country”, a good foot tappin’ number, which features some nicely placed harmonies from Irene Hulme, before he mellows a little for “Never Let You Down”.
Moving along, “Thinking About You Now”, which has a good uptempo beat to it.  “Words Alone” features keyboards a bit more, and perhaps more of a crossover appeal rather than straight Country!
But “Movin’ On” brings him back home. It’s a good driving guitar number, which suits his vocal style.
“It Aint Me” slows the pace again, and features some impressive instrumentation in its’ 47 second intro.  “Rollin It Over”, “For The Other And Me” and “Thought You Were The One” are also quite slow.
The album closes with a rather haunting number, “Tonight The Cowboy Rides Away.  Again featuring some interesting instrumentation.
Tom’s quite an accomplished guitar & keyboard player, and this album shows that side, as well as his vocals and songwriting skills.
Quite a talent.
Tomhoganx1@hotmail.co.uk