Swirling Violets is the debut album from Northern Irish singer-songwriter Conchúr White. Developing his sound and style through a string of singles and the EPs Bikini Crops (2020) and Dreamers (2021), White’s first LP is a fine display of emotionally mature songwriting and musical craftsmanship.
There is no one explicit theme or musical style that runs through the record, as White blends elements of folk, indie and dream-pop. All tracks co-exist in the same space but equally feel uniquely different. This idea is executed well and is an ode to White’s strengths as a songwriter.
White explains “There wasn’t a conscious theme, though the songs operate in the same sort of space, that sense of surrealism. There’s ghosts, there’s other worlds. There’s a cosmic feeling, questions about the beginning and the end and dreams. And then there’s simpler songs, love songs about the feelings of infatuation you have when you’re young.”
The opening track ‘The Holy Death’ sees White explore mortality through an array of folk-pop arrangements. The changing tempo, musical style and crescendos take you on a journey that carries on throughout the rest of the album.
‘Righteous’ reflects on a relationship with God, as White sings “I’m always yours”, but also questions that relationship – “why did I feel that today, God?” Airy and echoing vocals help create a mesmerising yet vulnerable track.
Another thematic shift comes in the shape of ‘501s’. It is a gem of a track which perfectly paints the picture of romantic desire and adoration present in the care-free life of teenagers. With ‘I Did Good Today’, White again looks within and self-reflects on recklessness and the longing for validation.
The album’s title track is a standout. A beautifully emotional song, it’s raw and stripped back and entices you into a parallel world of love. The song is elevated by White’s falsetto voice, pure lyrics and the consistent piano arrangement that rests underneath.
The next collection of tracks see a more upbeat and lively sound come through in bitter-sweet love songs. This is contrasted by the final track ‘Deadwood’ which takes you on a tragically peaceful journey through the “mystic night” and is a fitting conclusion to the album.
Swirling Violets is a deeply rich and intimate collection of work which takes you on a journey through dream-like plains. There is a sense of limitlessness, somewhere to explore and to get lost in whilst also feeling comfortingly familiar.
Swirling Violets is out now on Bella Union
Bandcamp: https://conchurwhite.bandcamp.com/album/swirling-violets
