Irish guitar virtuoso Joe Hodgson returns with a blistering double single, “Since You Had a Hold On Me / Stick Or Twist,” and once again proves why he’s a modern master of emotive, genre-defying instrumentalism. Hailing from the windswept village of Ballymagorry in County Tyrone, Hodgson’s playing is rooted in the atmospheric grit of his homeland and shaped by years of gigging and recording across Europe. After winning over critics with his 2020 solo debut Apparitions, Hodgson now dives deeper into emotional storytelling and sonic experimentation with these two dynamic new tracks.
The first track, “Since You Had a Hold On Me,” opens with a slow-burning swagger, steeped in blues and soul. Featuring the smoky, gravel-toned vocals of Glen Harkin, the track oozes late-night melancholy and understated seduction. Hodgson’s guitar glides like a whispered confession—warm, measured, and impossibly expressive. His signature style, blending rock finesse with jazz phrasing and traditional Irish soul, feels particularly rich here. Each chord progression, every subtle bend and slide, tells its own story without needing words. The track sways like a smoky slow dance in a dimly lit room, where the past and present intertwine.
In striking contrast, “Stick Or Twist” kicks down the door with funk-soaked flair and an unrestrained sense of musical freedom. Where the A-side simmers, this instrumental sizzles, erupting into a joyful jam session that twists through ska, funk-rock, and big-band energy with unapologetic flair. Hodgson flexes his creative muscles with vibrant tones, quick-fire riffs, and a pulse-pounding rhythm section that never lets up. This track is built for movement—a sonic joyride that never stays in one place for too long, but somehow never feels chaotic. It’s a rare moment of pure fun, executed with the precision of a seasoned composer.
What stands out most on this release is Hodgson’s refusal to be boxed in. These songs feel like they come from different planets, yet both are unmistakably stamped with his emotive guitar language and fearless approach to musical fusion. Whether embracing slow, sultry blues or dancing into kaleidoscopic funk, Hodgson brings a cinematic sense of storytelling to everything he touches. His guitar accompanies the music and drives it, like a voice of its own, commanding your attention with elegance and raw fire.
“Since You Had a Hold On Me / Stick Or Twist” is a testament to Joe Hodgson’s range, passion, and unwavering creative spirit. It’s music that entertains and paints scenes, evokes memories, and pulls you into its world. Whether you’re in for the slow smoulder or the explosive release, Hodgson delivers with finesse and depth. For fans of boundary-pushing guitar work that still hits you right in the heart, this is a must-listen.
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