“The Man With Open Arms” is a haunting and powerful final offering from the late, great Cathal Coughlan, created in collaboration with Irish composer Linda Buckley. It’s a slow-burning, emotional piece that feels like a poetic farewell—rich in meaning, gentle in its delivery. Cathal Coughlan, known for his sharp wit and dark lyrical genius in Microdisney and Fatima Mansions, delivers one of his most vulnerable performances here. His voice, deep and weathered, is full of emotion—tired but defiant, sad but full of love. There’s a heavy sense of reflection and mortality in the words, but also something tender, like a final embrace. Linda Buckley’s contribution is key. Her ambient, minimalist arrangement gives the song a meditative and timeless quality. She blends her classical background with eerie electronics and subtle post-punk moods, creating a soundscape that is otherworldly and deeply human. The result is a perfect frame for Coughlan’s voice—never overpowering, always supportive. The lyrics are poetic and abstract, yet they hit you hard. This isn’t a pop song – it’s more like a whispered story from someone who’s seen too much, who’s ready to rest. It’s emotional without being sentimental, personal without being confessional. “The Man With Open Arms” is a final message from one of Ireland’s most brilliant minds. It’s chilling, beautiful and unforgettable. Coughlan may be gone, but with this track, he leaves behind a piece of himself—something true, something honest. Highly recommended for fans of serious, emotional music with depth and atmosphere.
♦ 7,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
