Niall Connolly is Ireland's hardest working and most exciting independent songwriter. In the last year he has relentlessly toured Europe and North America where his combination of sincerity, energy, humour and superb songwriting have helped him defy language barriers, geography and quite often, common sense. He has recently relocated to New York where he has been recognised by no less of a musical authority than U.S. Department of Immigration as ‘an alien of extraordinary ability’. Niall returns to Ireland in October to begin a two-month European tour, which will coincide with the release of his new album, 'The Future Tense'. On this, his third album, Connolly takes us from the late night streets of Cork City to North Africa, the Middle East, New York City and back again. However, it is his mapping of everyday human experience that gives his very individual storytelling its universal appeal. ‘The Future Tense’, is a collection of thirteen new recordings ranging from indie rock anthems to urban folk songs and is Connolly’s finest album yet. Subject matter includes the usual suspects; love, loss, war, work, addiction, depression, navigation, dancing and television. However, Connolly’s mixture of gritty realism, strong imagery, infectious melodies and ultimately, lust for life, make this an intriguingly fresh listening experience. When its author sings “I am trying hard to keep out of reach, the part of me that still believes, there is good in everyone,” we are left holding on to that hope too. Produced by longtime collaborator and friend Karl Nesbitt the album is lovingly arranged and performed. The remarkable attention to detail and the subtlety of the performances are credit to all involved. The album features his long term Irish band as well as a host of international guests including Dennis Cronin (Lambchop, Josh Rouse, Vic Chestnutt, Camera Obscura and many more) and Rachel Loshak (Norah Jones). An album that looks tentatively forward, ‘The Future Tense’, charmingly and fittingly closes with a children’s choir singing “I can’t dance, but I will gladly dance with you.” ‘The Future Tense’ is an exceptional album that will touch broken, mending, and racing hearts alike. The Future Tense is due for release in Ireland on October 20th. Tour dates at www.myspace.com/niallconnolly "Niall Connolly is simply too damn good to be missed" - The Village Voice- New York “Ireland’s best kept secret”- Andy Lowe, The 12 Bar Club, London “As with all the great songwriters, for Niall Connolly, the writing of lyrics is an art form. Though, immediately engaging and refreshing, his music is the opposite to easy and quick, cheap entertainment.”- Folkroddels- Belgium “Irish songwriter Niall Connolly is set to be become a roaring success in France”-Ouest-France "It was in the raw vocal strength of Niall Connolly’s songs that I found the most poignant moments of the evening"-Prague TV "Gorgeous."-The Irish Times "Revelling in melodic glory"-Irish Music Magazine "A mini masterpiece"-The Evening Echo "An album to warm and soothe the heart. 8.5/10"-Hot Press .-" Like many great writers, his writing is very much an art as opposed to simple, short-lived entertainment www.musician.ie "I cannot remember the last time I heard such a moving collection of songs"- Kurt Wagner, Lambchop " Like another great Irish songsmith, Van Morrison, Niall doesnt waste words. He has that rare ability to throw just a handful of words at you and you get the picture. A really interesting and beautiful record http://fasterlouder.com.au ) (Australia "As Tomorrow Creeps From The East is a great album from a talented singer-songwriter. If you're a fan of modern acoustic music, you're strongly advised to not let this one pass you by.- Being There Mag- Cananda "Niall Connolly writes intelligent literate songs rich in graphic detail. Better still, he writes convincingly from his own experience and his heart. We don't have enough like him."-Jackie Hayden -Hot Press