About Poor Creature
Poor Creature is a trio consisting of Ruth Clinton, Cormac MacDiarmada, and John Dermody—known for reinterpreting traditional songs through a modern, experimental folk lens. Formed during lockdown by Ruth and Cormac (of Landless and Lankum), the project grew organically from home recordings and online performances before John (of The Jimmy Cake) joined later. Their creative process is instrument-led, particularly shaped by Ruth’s vintage Hohner Organetta and its fixed drum patterns, balanced by John’s more fluid percussion.
Their debut album, All Smiles Tonight, released in 2025, explores themes of loss, separation, and transformation, reimagining old songs with new emotional and political meanings—such as reframing a country duet as a metaphor for climate collapse. The band rejects faithful reproductions, instead seeking to draw new resonances from inherited material.
Musically, they blend Irish and American folk influences, from ethereal, psychedelic textures to bluegrass-tinged harmonies. Produced by John “Spud” Murphy (noted for his work with Lankum, ØXN and others), the album achieves a rich, immersive sound. Closing with the spectral ballad “Willie-O,” All Smiles Tonight captures the intertwining of myth and everyday life, creating a haunting, timeless reflection on history and song.
Video
Poor Creature - The Whole Town Knows
Poor Creature - All Smiles Tonight
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