One of the most exciting developments in Cork music this year so far has certainly to be the emergence as a going concern of Former Monarchs’ drummer Jon Pearson‘s solo project, post-rock/neo-classical experiment North Side Drive.

Born equally of Pearson‘s classical training and contemporary tastes, the coming together of the two worlds in this music is subtle yet dramatic, direct melodies and post-rock dynamic welded to the classical idiom in effortless fashion.

Truth is, there’s not much, if anything, like this in Cork city, and his debut single, one, came as a compelling breath of fresh air a while back. This time, mind, he’s outdone himself, with a breezy, distinct yet faithful arrangement of doom-folk troubadour Owensie’s Cruel Time for piano. Strangely jaunty, yet retaining the air of odd solemnity that permeates Owensie’s work, it’s a worthwhile listen for both Owensie heads and fans of the post-rock cluster of atmospherics and influences.

Download and listen in the widget here! 

north side drive.