“Pat Byrne, “Marfa Skies.” The Irish expat who moved to Austin two years ago celebrates the desolate beauty of West Texas by contrasting it with big-city bright lights in this lovely folk-pop tune. Recorded at Rich Brotherton’s Ace Recording studio, the track features a harmony vocal cameo from Betty Soo and gets an extra boost from a black-and-white video that reflects the song’s disarming sincerity. This exceptional outtake didn’t end up on Byrne’s full-length release due later this year, which suggests the album will be something special.” - Peter Blackstock

“A native of Ireland, singer-songwriter Pat Byrne settled in Texas a few years ago, looking to make inroads in a place where some of his songwriting heroes — guys like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark — came from. His move has been great for Houston because Byrne cycles through town every few months to sing his songs with his soulful, gritty voice, doing originals and a few choice covers that suggest he’s learning from the best. Often the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve can be a bit of an entertainment dead zone. Byrne is the kind of mesmerizing performer who can warm up those cold days.”

“When you combine the transcendent poetry of Bob Dylan with the gritty, real-world rock-n-roll storytelling that Bruce Springsteen made so famous, and then add a dash of the political activism embodied by Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, you’ll have Irish singer-songwriter Pat Byrne”

“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. ”