Peter Doran's 'All the World is Running on a Mystic Code' Is A Spiritual Journey Through Love, Loss, and Transformation

Ireland’s own Peter Doran has long been a master of evocative songwriting, but with, All the World is Running on a Mystic Code, he delivers what might be his most personal—and most powerful—album to date. It’s a record that doesn’t just document a chapter in his life; it transfigures it into something universal, sweeping, and cinematic.

The standout track “Clockwork” is emblematic of Doran’s gift for turning intimate moments into moving musical vignettes. Inspired by a prenatal scan during the height of the pandemic, the song charts both an emotional and physical journey through Mullingar. “You’re nervous at the other side of town,” he sings with quiet urgency—just one of many lines that catch your breath.

Elsewhere, Doran taps into Ireland’s deep storytelling roots. “Marguerite” is a haunting tribute to a local tragedy, and “Steamboat Captain” ventures into psychedelic territory with swirling arrangements and maritime metaphors. His ability to shift from grounded, heartfelt ballads to almost mythical storytelling is part of what makes this album so special.

He’s also surrounded himself with top-tier collaborators, from Hozier’s Fiachra Kinder on drums to the ever-impressive Nicky Brennan. The production is warm and organic, recorded across Ireland and Vienna, yet it all feels like one seamless body of work—anchored by Doran’s unmistakable voice and vision.

All the World is Running on a Mystic Code isn’t just an album—it’s a document of growth, a tribute to resilience, and a love letter to the mysterious, sacred moments that shape us. Peter Doran has struck gold here. Expect it to be remembered as one of the year’s most vital Irish releases.

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This release landed in our inbox thanks to Decent Music PR, who brought Peter Doran’s latest project to our attention. It’s always a pleasure to discover fresh talent through their recommendations.