Cuchulain’s Window Seat is a heartfelt collection of folk-rock vignettes, each song a carefully crafted snapshot of love, memory, and devotion. The Oregon-based singer-songwriter’s latest album is a study in warmth, drawing from his own life experiences to craft songs that feel intimate yet inviting. Whether he’s reminiscing about young love, reflecting on a long marriage, or singing the praises of a beloved pet, Cuchulain delivers his stories with sincerity and charm.
His strength lies in his specificity—though it’s a double-edged sword. Tracks like “King Road” transport listeners to a humid Southern summer, where fireflies flicker and love feels endless. The song’s breezy melody and nostalgic lyrics make it easy to picture a young couple lost in their own world. At its best, Window Seat captures emotions so universal that its personal details become bridges rather than barriers.
On the lighter side, “My Dog” is an affectionate, horn-laden romp that celebrates the simple joys of canine companionship. While pet tributes are well-trodden ground in music, Cuchulain’s take feels refreshingly straightforward. It may not break new thematic ground, but its playful energy and genuine sentiment keep it from feeling saccharine.
The album’s standout moments, however, arrive when Cuchulain gives his themes room to breathe. “Window Seat” is a tender, nuanced portrait of a lifelong love, full of evocative imagery and quiet depth. Lines like “Every time I see you smile / I see your grandma’s eyes” elevate the track beyond a simple love song, capturing the weight of time and shared history. It’s in these moments—where deeply personal reflections meet universal truths—that Window Seat soars. – Jason Felton