American songwriter Mark Eitzel set to deliver a memorable show

Acclaimed American songwriter Mark Eitzel plays Róisín Dubh on Monday, February 25.

He has released over 15 albums of original material with his band American Music Club and as a solo artist – his latest being last year’s Don’t be a Stranger – and has been described by the Guardian newspaper as “America's greatest living lyricist”.

After a string of bad luck, including a heart attack in May of 2011 and the implosion of American Music Club, Mark found himself in the studio with producer Sheldon Gomberg (who has previously worked with Rickie Lee Jones, Ron Sexsmith and Ben Harper).

That good luck was due to a good friend who had had won the lottery and offered to fund the recording of his next album. And Mark new what he wanted.

“I wanted to make an album more reminiscent of records like Harvest by Neil Young or Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake than anything I’ve previously done,” Mark says.

Inspired by his experience writing a musical, Mark’s songwriting is simpler on Don’t be a Stranger and lyrically reflects a more straightforward approach.

There is a haunted quality to tracks like I Love You But You’re Dead and The Bill Is Due, which are about broken promises, leftover people, the desperation someone feels when time and money are running out, and ultimately, the feeling of not knowing what comes next.

Doors 9pm, tickets €14/€12.