Reviewed by John Fisher

Hailing from Omagh in County Tyrone this singer/songwriter presents us with his third recording. Doyle states that what we have in 'Sticks' is a "heartfelt statement in the same way that Neil Young communicates". Well Doyle is certainly no Neil Young rather I found that his music was more of a hybrid of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions and Aztec Camera, there is also a kind of 'Supertramp' piano thing on the intro of "Damascus Road". On offer are 12 songs and as on his last outing there is an acoustic flavour with various accompanying instruments which include mandolin, congas and violin. And again, as on his previous recording, I would say that Doyle's vocals are not the best or most tuneful that I have heard. 10 out of 10 for effort, but unfortunately effort alone doesn't sell CDs. It would be interesting to hear these songs sung by another vocalist.

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