Toucan

Toucan builds on his blues, funk foundations with the EP Don’t Understand Why. The Irish singer previously impressed Music News with the cosy energy of the title track. With a mix of soul, blues funk, and gospel, it’s a relaxed, jaunty listen about figuring out a relationship.

The tune proved to be an engaging three minutes, showcasing the artist’s charming vocal talents and earning him a coveted five-star review. It was an excellent advert for the project to come, and now that the project has graced the airwaves, you won’t be surprised to hear that the elements that made the single so strong are ever-present on this latest effort.

Thematically, the four tracks are head over heels for love. The breezy ‘If This Isn’t Love’ ponders daring to say the dreaded “L” word for the first time in a relationship. Bluesy guitar on ‘You At Last’ gently serenades a gushing crooner who can’t believe his fairytale has come true, while the unhurried acoustic ode ‘Where You Go’ has the same singer longing for an absent beau.

Toucan, also known as Conor Clancy, is a warm and rich presence throughout his work, conveying a sense of earnest joy and lovestruck satisfaction throughout this tunnel of love.

The strong lead showing is sweetly supported by pristinely voiced backing vocalists on most of the record’s songs. This helps to bring home the becalmed, carefree musical sunshine Clancy is basking in. Throw in a tinge of jazz to capture the ear, and you have the soundtrack to a chill Sunday ready to go.

Put another way, Don’t Understand Why contains about as much worry as a newborn pup, with the cosiness to match, and you won’t have to clean up after hearing it. For those who enjoy a mellow energy, with a pleasant blend of soul, blues, and jazz flavouring, Don’t Understand Why is for your playlist.