Photographer: Bee Elton
‘Real Hard Week’ is the final single to be lifted from Dominic Breen’s eagerly anticipated upcoming debut album ‘Blue Volume’. Clever, relatable metaphors and gorgeous vocal melodies sit atop rich, meticulously layered guitars and a driving beat. The song is somehow both uplifting and melancholic.
Produced by Tim Fitz (Middle Kids) and mastered by Matthew Neighbour (Matt Corby, The Avalanches), ‘Real Hard Week’ once again showcases Breen’s heartfelt songwriting and extraordinary talent as he performs every instrument on the track.
“Real Hard Week” was the first song we recorded for Blue Volume. I wanted it to be epic, like the pivotal song in a musical, like a Sondheim classic or something. I initially thought it would be a duet and I was using the word ‘Disney’ in the studio to convey what I was trying to say, like, ‘let’s make it more Disney’. But then I realised that the sentiments were truly one-way sentiments, and that in this case, the conclusion at the end of the song could only be my own.” Dominic Breen
With his distinctive yearning voice, gift for observation and lyrical honesty, his singles have continued to turn heads this year. ‘James St Tonight’ picked up 4.5 stars from triple j’s Richard Kingsmill and Declan Byrne, as well as Double J rotation, while ‘Under Your Sorrow’ was added straight to several tastemaker Spotify playlists, 2SER and FBi.
Breen has spent the past couple of years building up to his first full collection of music – the remarkable debut album Blue Volume. Breen’s label Double Drummer on ‘Blue Volume’ record;
“Dom is special – truly special,” says Double Drummer’s Edward Prescott. “In terms of evoking a sense of time and place, he’s one of the most gifted singer/songwriters I’ve ever met. This album is one of my favourite things the label has released. It’s amazing, really amazing.”
PRAISE FOR DOMINIC BREEN
“[James Street Tonight] Had this one well and truly planted in the head ever since first playing it. Tim Fitz’s production and pedal steel adds a great flavour. Dominic‘s dozy Dylanesque delivery has such a classic feel about it too. Add a dose of longing on top of those melodies and you’ve cooked up one great song”
Triple J, Richard Kingsmill
“Dominic always has such a way with words, space and emotion. He’s got stories to tell and you believe every single word.”
Triple J, Declan Byrne
“Equally likely to appeal to fans of Julia Jacklin, DMA’s and Middle Kids as it is to fans of the Go-
Betweens, The Triffids or Roy Orbison.”
Around the Sound
“What a gorgeous lilt, and then you bring in the slide guitar. A dream”.
Double J, Zan Rowe
“I hereby propose a change of wording to a certain slogan. Let’s make it “Is Dom. Is Good.”’.
Triple J Unearthed Dave Ruby Howe
“His is a name that has become synonymous with forward-thinking musicianship on the Australian scene.”
Tone Deaf, Tyler Jenke
“A true artist and songwriter. Every Dom Breen song has its own unique spirit.”
Tim Fitz, Middle Kids
Single: Real Hard Week is out now via Double Drummer.
Album: Blue Volume is out via Double Drummer on Friday, October 1
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