Photo Credit: Nel Cummings

‘Felt Better Alive‘ offers a candid and emotional look on Peter’s journey, the album feels raw and it feels like we are really being let into Peter’s life and mind. Each song had a really calming element, and I can see the album being really popular through Summer.

The first song on the album is ‘Calvados’, which is a brilliant way to open an album. Inspired by Doherty’s life in Normandy, this uplifting, acoustic guitar-driven track reflects on the traditional process of Calvados production. The song, a ‘paean to the fine apple brandy’ of the region, emphasizes patience and heritage.

The second track on the album is ‘A Pot of Gold‘. This is tender and soft lullaby for his daughter, Billie-May, this song encapsulates Doherty’s affection and hopes for a brighter future, tinged with a subtle yearning for redemption.

The third song on the album is ‘The Day the Baron Died‘ A deeply reflective piece, this track explores themes of loss and change with a melancholic tone and introspective lyrics, creating a profoundly poignant narrative.

The fourth song on the album is called ‘Stade Océan‘, this song celebrates Peter’s French surroundings. The track also brings out a more playful side to Doherty. A breath of fresh air, this whimsical track is a joyful celebration of Doherty’s French surroundings. Showcasing his playful side, the song’s light hearted nature provides a welcome moment of levity within the album, conjuring images of sun-drenched afternoons and carefree wanderings through the French countryside.

The fifth song on the album, is called ‘Out of Tune Balloon‘. The metaphor-rich song explores themes of imperfection and resilience, its whimsical title offering a stark contrast to the track’s deeper lyrical content.

The the sixth tune on the album is the album name ‘Felt Better Alive‘, this is a really catchy track. The album’s title track emerges as a poignant love letter to life itself, skill-fully weaving together a sense of rugged optimism with moments of quiet reflection. Doherty’s emotional depth shines through in the track’s elegant melodies and bittersweet undertones, creating a listening experience that is both uplifting and deeply moving, inviting the listener to contemplate the beauty and fragility inherent in the human experience.

The next tune Peter have bless us with is titled ‘Ed Belly‘, The song is a raw, emotional journey. It’s about facing hard times but still finding hope. The music is simple but powerful, letting the honest lyrics speak for themselves.

Moving on to track eight of the album, called ‘Poca Mahoney’s‘. This lively and upbeat track injects a burst of energy into the album, showcasing Doherty’s versatility through its catchy rhythm and playful lyrics. The song’s infectious melody and light hearted themes  create an engaging and enjoyable listening experience, highlighting Doherty’s ability to craft music that is both fun and memorable. It serves as a testament to their artistic range, demonstrating that they can deliver not only emotionally resonant pieces but also songs that are simply a joy to hear.

Track nine ‘Fingee‘ completely caught me off guard, but the more I got into it, the more I enjoyed it, This short, experimental track boldly ventures into uncharted sonic territory, playing with unconventional soundscapes and structural arrangements. Its avant-garde approach infuses the album with a unique and intriguing flavor, showcasing a willingness to push creative boundaries. The piece invites listeners to explore the more abstract side of the artist’s vision, offering a brief but captivating glimpse into their innovative approach to music creation and challenging traditional notions of song composition.

Track ten on the album is ‘Prêtre De Le Mar‘ is a French-language song which serves as a beautiful reflection of Doherty’s deep immersion within his local culture, offering a glimpse into his personal connection with the community. The poetic lyrics, sung with heartfelt emotion, intertwine seamlessly with the serene melody to evoke a profound sense of tranquility and peaceful contemplation. The song creates an atmosphere of quiet reflection, inviting listeners to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of life and the richness of cultural experience, all while showcasing Doherty’s ability to transcend linguistic boundaries and connect with audiences on a deeper, more intimate level.

The last song on the album called ‘Empty Room‘.  As the album’s closing track, this piece provides a contemplative and reflective conclusion, inviting listeners to linger in the emotional space created throughout the collection. The introspective lyrics, delivered with a sense of vulnerability, are carefully woven into a minimalist arrangement, allowing each word and note to resonate deeply. The song leaves a lasting impression, effectively encapsulating the core themes explored within the album, ensuring that the journey through the music continues to echo in the listener’s mind long after the final notes have faded away.

Overall, I think this is a really good album from Peter and has come in good time for the nice weather and summer.