After over two decades spent crafting quiet masterpieces, Irish singer-songwriter Peter Doran has delivered what many are calling his defining work. All the World is Running on a Mystic Code is a richly emotional, sonically adventurous album that sees Doran not only reflect on the personal, but also reach for the cosmic. Recorded between intimate home studios in Ireland and a session in Vienna, the album feels like both a return to roots and a bold leap forward. It’s the sound of an artist who knows exactly who he is—and is still curious enough to evolve.
At the heart of the album is a profound sense of presence. Songs like “Clockwork,” written during a fraught period in Doran’s life while awaiting prenatal results during the pandemic, are raw and vulnerable, yet ultimately uplifting. The track is grounded in the very real streets of his hometown, Mullingar, but reaches emotional heights that will resonate far beyond Ireland. The chorus—“You’re nervous at the other side of town, but our fortunes are changing”—is both deeply specific and universally understood.
What separates Doran from many of his peers is his refusal to compromise depth for accessibility. Tracks such as “Never Say Goodbye” and “The Lover’s Wheel” offer lush melodies and evocative storytelling that could easily find a place in cinematic soundtracks. The accompanying music video for “Never Say Goodbye,” directed by Josh Wagner, captures maritime folklore and timeless sentiment, anchoring Doran’s work in both myth and memory.
A tapestry of collaborators enrich the record’s sonic world. Contributions from Nicky Brennan (Picture This), Fiachra Kinder (Hozier), and cellist Gerard Toal bring dynamic layers to the already nuanced arrangements. Yet, it’s Doran’s own voice—clear, weathered, wise—that threads everything together. His production sensibility is equally strong; the album feels meticulously crafted but never overthought, alive with breath and space.
Doran’s ability to connect past and present is perhaps most evident on “Marguerite,” a track based on a real-life tragedy from his local community. It speaks to a wider thematic thread woven throughout the album: how individual lives—and losses—echo through generations. These are songs that honour the invisible connections between people, time, and place.
With All the World is Running on a Mystic Code, Peter Doran hasn’t just made another great record—he’s created a living archive of emotion, memory, and imagination. It’s a gift to longtime fans and a welcoming door for new listeners to walk through. Quietly, confidently, Peter Doran has delivered one of the year’s most affecting albums.
