The Ballybofey singer-songwriter, who uses the stage name StrawMan succinctly describes it as rockout and upbeat combined with a few slower more melancholic tracks so that the listener can both catch their breath and contemplate.

'Emotional Kaleidoscope' is the eagerly anticipated follow up to 2020's acclaimed 'Fearless' which was described by a stalwart of the music scene as 'the best album from a Donegal artist in years'.Tom has assured his fans that it is more than a worthy successor.

Tom's influences include REM, The Verve/Richard Ashcroft, The War on Drugs, Frightened Rabbit, The Slow Show, Bruce Springsteen, Regina Spector and Biffy Clyro to name but a few.

As of April 2024, Strawman has accumulated over 500,000  streams on all platforms ( Spotify, YouTube &N1M)

Tom first started penning songs while at university in Galway in the mid-90s.He moved to Hungary in 2003 to work as an English tutor.While there, he wrote and recorded his debut album ‘Some Belated Truths’ under the moniker ‘Urban Hermits’.This was released to a solid reception in 2007. Later that year, the band played the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Due to family commitments, Tom took a long break from music from 2008.

‘Fearless’ (2020) was his second full release.

In April 2021 he was commissioned by Donegal Education Training Board to compose a song for Roddy Doyle’s novel ‘Brilliant’.The end of the year saw two new releases including a Christmas single.

He belatedly launched ‘Fearless’ in the Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey on December 10 that year with an excellent new band and received an amazing reception.As with 'Fearless', this latest offering was recorded at Valley Music Studio in Ballybofey and produced by the much respected and innovative Terry McGinty.

"This latest album was born of rejection. We had been blown out for a few festivals in Donegal that shall remain nameless,” Tom said.“ I had two choices, to sulk and complain or see the opportunity that had presented itself.

"We were at least three tracks deep into a new album and I had a stack of songs written during the first lockdown.“If we cracked on with it, we could have the album finished for Halloween.

"Not only did we have Adrian Harkin (drums and percussion) and Kevin Halpin (bass, keys and guitar) on board but also wonderful musicians such as Adam Hannigan (guitar), David Oliver (trumpet), Joanna Harkin (vocals) and Rodney Deery (saxophone) to add a bit more gloss to proceedings.“Huge thanks to all of them for being so generous with their time and talent.

"Adrian and Kevin had played on the first three tracks and did brilliantly. You can hear that for yourselves on 'I Can Hear Dan Grimaldi Weeping', 'A Rooster's Step' and 'Krakatoa'.

“However, due to certain circumstances, it appeared that myself and Terry would have to continue ourselves. We got stuck in from late May onwards.We took it one song at a time; '(A Strange Move For A) HomeTown Hero', 'Jump the Shark', 'My Capital', 'Wherever You Go, There You Are', 'Protest by Lullaby' and 'Don't Let The Old Man In'.

"We took each as close to completion as possible and then revisited them later with fresh ears. This has become our modus operandi.

“Being distant neighbours, Terry and I don't need to do lengthy sessions. We work much better in two-three hour 'Guerilla'-type sessions and post-recording drills; take it home, sleep, rest your ears, listen tomorrow., make a 'hit list' of edits, apply these and move on.“I think it's a pretty good system."

Terry and Tommy completed the final mix in early October, at this stage, they were both drained emotionally."We'd been quite obsessed with this album and emptied ourselves creatively into it, so when it was done, the world seemed a little bit off-kilter for a day or two,” the musician continued.“ I think that's when you know you've done good work. We have no regrets, not a single one. No stone was left unturned.

“We explored every suggestion and every idea. Most came off. Some didn't. That's ok. It's all part of the process."Tom says there are so many reasons why he loves this album."I love the fact that my voice isn't the first you hear on it,” he added.
“ I think how this record opens is so artistically brave and original. I'm also very proud of the fact that musically and lyrically, 'Emotional Kaleidoscope' is much more expansive and outward-looking compared to 'Fearless', which was more personal.

"I didn't want to make the same record and we definitely haven't. 'Emotional Kaleidoscope' is definitely different and therefore, a natural successor to 'Fearless'.“I try to refrain from using comparatives and superlatives. This is better or worse.

“To paraphrase Marlon Brando, 'Everybody and everything has his/her/its own value....' That's good enough for me. "

He adds he wants to give a special mention to Terry McGinty."He is such a brave and innovative producer. Combine that with his incredible musicianship and technical proficiency and it's quite a thing to behold.“Finally, he is my dear friend, a great dad and a good man, which is most important of all."

In relation to inspiration and influences Tom says he can hear The Slow Show on 'Protest by Lullaby', Noel Gallagher on 'My Capital', The War on Drugs on 'Don't Let The Old Man In', Richard Ashcroft on "Hook, Line and Sinker'."Maybe readers will hear something else. I'd be curious to know,” he continued.“ I love all these songs and try not to show favouritism. However, if I had to choose from the ten, I'd have to go with '(A Strange Move For A) Hometown Hero'. I adore the vocal.“It was one take, lazy, spontaneous, full of feeling and wee vibratos. The song is a homage to my hometown of Ballybofey.

"My girl sometimes refers to me in jest as ' The Hometown Hero' because I know and chat to so many lovely people when we're out and about.

“Musically, I never tire of the desolate trumpet and the dramatic string-section on this song, not to mention Terry's bass harmonic in the outro. A few of these songs have two different outros- 'My Capital' and 'Don't Let The Old Man In' being others.

“This, I'm also fond of. I'd like to think that it's not bad writing and that I'm doing okay.”

The album has been out on digital release (Spotify, etc) since Friday last, November 3.