After more than two decades of crafting soul-stirring songs and building a loyal following, Irish singer-songwriter Peter Doran returns with his most compelling and transformative album yet. ‘All the World is Running on a Mystic Code’, officially premiering on Music Crowns today, is a rich tapestry of folk, alternative, and experimental elements, pushing the boundaries of Doran’s sound while remaining rooted in the raw emotional resonance that has defined his career.
A Sonic and Spiritual Odyssey
Recorded across intimate spaces in County Westmeath, Kildare, and Vienna, the album captures both the quiet intricacies of Doran’s songwriting and the expansive scope of his vision. With Doran producing the majority of the album—save for the stirring “Clockwork,” co-produced with Nicky Brennan—this body of work bears the fingerprints of a creator deeply in tune with his message and medium. The final touch came from the hands of Kim Rosen (Bonnie Raitt, Aimee Mann), whose mastering work gives the album a polished, timeless glow.
“Clockwork”: A Portrait of Poise in the Eye of the Storm
One of the album’s most affecting tracks, “Clockwork”, offers a glimpse into Doran’s personal world during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by the anxious wait for his wife Therese’s prenatal ultrasound results, the track walks a fine line between fragility and strength. Its imagery—set against the backdrop of Mullingar—captures the surreal dissonance between internal anxiety and the external stillness of lockdown. The chorus, “you’re nervous at the other side of town, but our fortunes are changing,” is both a hopeful refrain and a reminder of how swiftly life can pivot.
“Never Say Goodbye”: A Cinematic Standout
Leading the album is “Never Say Goodbye,” a sweeping, maritime-inspired ballad paired with a stunning visual narrative by filmmaker Josh Wagner. Laced with seafaring folklore and carried by Doran’s emotive vocal delivery, the track builds to a haunting farewell: “God Bless The Now And Evermore.” It’s a line that encapsulates the album’s ethos—deeply spiritual, wistful, and rooted in presence.
An Album Forged in Collaboration and Community
Doran’s hometown roots and rich musical lineage are central to the album. Growing up surrounded by classic records from Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Queen, and later mentored by local icon Jimmy Broder, Doran channels these influences into compositions that are both adventurous and grounded. Tracks like the experimental “Steamboat Captain” and the historically inspired “Marguerite”—co-created with Broder—add layers of narrative and innovation to the record.
A wide array of collaborators also enrich the sound: Nicky Brennan (Picture This) brings intricate guitar textures, Fiachra Kinder (Hozier) lends his dynamic drumming, and cellist Gerard Toal adds an orchestral depth, creating a lush sonic world that bridges folk intimacy with cinematic sweep.
An Immersive Visual Experience
In tandem with the album, Doran has teamed up with filmmaker Conor English to craft a 16-minute short film featuring performances of “Mystic Code,” “The Lover’s Wheel,” and “Out in the Wild.” Shot in the breathtaking landscapes of Westmeath, the film is a meditative visual extension of the album’s themes, offering fans a deeper connection to its emotional and ecological resonances.
A Reflection on the Human Condition
Ultimately, All the World is Running on a Mystic Code is a bold, spiritual, and deeply personal reflection on life’s pivotal moments—love, uncertainty, transformation, and the endless search for meaning. It is both a record of its time and a timeless meditation on the human experience.
As Peter Doran continues to evolve as an artist and storyteller, this album not only marks a new chapter—it might just be his magnum opus.
