January 21–28, 1999

critic pick

She shares a first name and a nationality with that other Sinéad, but Sinéad Lohan is her own person. With a critically acclaimed album and a strong commitment to touring, the 28-year-old musician is being pegged as the next big act out of Ireland.

A native of Cork, Lohan's Sandy Denny-style folk-rock and mystical ballads have made her a major star in Ireland. (Her cover of Bob Dylan's "To Ramona" remained on the charts there for more than four months.)

Her second album, No Mermaid, is an understated gem—from the haunting, feminist title track to the lovely, hushed "Don't I Know," Lohan's got a winning combo in her subtle powerful voice and songwriting savvy.

"If a song is good enough and strong enough, it will come across and find its audience," Lohan said recently in a phone interview, adding that she especially enjoys the "immediacy" of performing.

"I love live shows because you never know what's going to happen. That keeps me a bit on edge, which is good."

-Nicole Pensiero

Sinéad Lohan will perform with The Push Stars on Sun., Jan. 24, at the Theater of Living Arts, 334 South St., 215-336-2000.