“Pat Byrne at Saxon Pub. An Irishman who’s at least temporarily relocated to Austin this year, Byrne has quickly become an artist that everyone who goes out to hear music regularly in Austin needs to catch. The guess here is that he’ll be playing far larger rooms before long; he’s too good of a songwriter, and singer, to not reach his level.”

“The results — Irish Americana, by turns rollicking and resonating, that’s driven by his gruff growl of a voice — suggest that he’s one to keep an eye on.”

“Pat Byrne, “Rituals.” Released late last year, this seven-song set from the Irish singer-songwriter was recorded partly in Austin with Rich Brotherton (whose credits include extensive work with renowned Scottish expat Ed Miller). Some tracks were recorded in Ireland as well, with Brotherton mixing in his Austin studio. The raspy melodic soul of Byrne’s voice recalls the emotional spells the late Austin troubadour Jimmy LaFave used to cast, though Byrne’s songwriting bears a more distinctive Irish stamp. He’s more contemporary than strict traditionalists, putting him more in the league of Glen Hansard or Luka Bloom, perhaps; yet at times he conjures a deeply old-school feel — especially on the spectacular “Hills of Killedmond,” which features Irish legend Kevin Burke on fiddle. ”