Doves & Ravens

Doves & Ravens is the definitive early statement from Dermot Kennedy, serving as the bridge between his roots as a street busker and his eventual ascent to global pop stardom. Released in 2017, this four-track EP established his signature 'folk-hop' sound: a blend of raw, gravelly vocals, acoustic guitar, and heavy, sample-based percussion. The production, often credited to collaborators like Stephen Kozmeniuk, utilizes reverb-heavy atmospheres and trap-influenced drum patterns to elevate Kennedy's confessional songwriting into something cinematic. Tracks like 'Glory' and 'Boston' showcase his ability to balance vulnerability with immense vocal power. Critically, the EP was praised for its innovative genre-blending, successfully marrying the intimacy of the singer-songwriter tradition with the rhythmic urgency of modern R&B and hip-hop. It remains a fan favorite for its unpolished, emotive intensity compared to his later, more radio-friendly studio albums.