Into Paradise - Under The Water

This rock pop outfit originally from Dublin, Ireland, released their debut single in 1986 as Backwards Into Paradise. By 1988 their name had shortened to Into Paradise, while the line-up had stabilized as Dave Long (vocals, guitar), James Eadie (lead guitar, keyboards), Rachael Tighe (bass) and Ronan Clarke (drums). They gathered very few second glances until the release of their debut album, Under The Water on indie label Setanta early in 1990. A capricious and deceptive album, it secured many plaudits and a predictably enthusiastic response from the media. Being from Dublin, they were automatically and inaccurately compared to both U2 and the Hothouse Flowers. Other writers noted the proliferation of drink-orientated songs, which placed them in a more definite Irish tradition. The follow-up, Churchtown, on their new Ensign Records home, was given an altogether more terse reception. Ultimately the accommodation with a major label went tits up, and Into Paradise returned to their original home Setanta Records, who in the meantime had enjoyed great success with A House and Frank And Walters. This more sympathetic environment saw Long continue to mine a strong creative furrow, though his lyrics proved too barbed to allow major success to come courting again.

Under the Water is quite obviously shoegaze/indie pop but it’s rendered with elaborate guitar work and filled with lyrical mood swings. With their main and certain influences’; Echo and the Bunnymen, The Sound and Joy Division, Into Paradise literally wore their hearts on their sleeves. Boldly brandishing unambiguous Ian McCulloch style vocals, Adrian Borland pop sensibilities and Joy Division swagger, Under the Water is an energetic and emotional body of work, better still though, it’s a truckload of fun with some wickedly excellent tunes.

Ripped from the Setanta album to unambiguous MP3 @ 320kbps

Into Paradise; Under The Water

A1.  Bring Me Closer #1

A2.  Here With You

A3.  Red Alight

A4.  The Pleasure Is Over

A5.  The Circus Came To Town

A6.  Bring Me Closer #2

B1.  The World Won’t Stop

B2.  Hearts And Flowers

B3.  Blue Moon Express

B4.  Say Goodnight

B5.  Beautiful Day

B6.  Going Home