Michael McDermott
What The Critics Say...


"Last Chance Lounge is the kind of album that, if there were justice in this world, would make McDermott a celebrity. It would generate hit single after hit single and mark the renaissance of the age of the singer-songwriter. ...he has created a thing of beauty."


"McDermott’s lyrical perspective is truly singular. His songs are redolent with Joyce-ian Irish Catholic imagery of saints, sinners and demon whiskey. ...there’s plenty of musical passion to go with his words."


"The musical influences that marked McDermott's early work, among them U2's anthemlike chord sequences and the tangled narratives of early Springsteen, are still evident, but they're elements in a more mature, less absolute approach to storytelling. Always inclined toward spiritual themes, McDermott now sketches people at the crossroads, some bound for glory, others for self-destruction."


"Weathering the curse of being labeled 'the new Springsteen' in the early '90s, then surviving the folding of his record label, singer-songwriter Michael McDermott has persevered, and his new album 'Last Chance Lounge' is collecting critical raves."


"The talented Chicago resident's 45-minute set...was a vivid and entertaining descent into a sleazy and colorful world that McDermott interprets extremely well. Perhaps his tales of the downtrodden and luckless are taken from experience, but whatever the case, the at-ease McDermott is a natural storyteller whose hair-raising tales are accompanied by affecting playing on the acoustic guitar and keyboard from which his stories garnered their soundtrack. ... Despair never sounded so good."


"Michael McDermott [performed] vivid songs that were heartfelt and surprisingly anthemic, given the acoustic setting."


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