Known for her witty lyricism and incandescent alt-folk vocals, Ailbhe Reddy has been steadily on the rise since the release of her 2016 debut EP.  However, the singer’s latest offering Endless Affair – filled with beguiling melodies and stunning vocals – is unambiguously her most impressive work to date.

It’s a wonderfully eclectic collection, with Reddy’s charisma and star quality very much to the fore. Opener ‘Shitshow’ beautifully sets the scene with some ominous lyrics (“Tell me how did I get here? / This endless pitiful affair”), while ‘A Mess’ boasts swirling vocals over a grungy backdrop. The drum-driven ‘Damage’ doffs its cap to ‘80s hit ‘Footloose’, with the infectious handclaps adding to the nostalgia.

Other standouts include the Dolores-meets-Sinéad epic ‘Bloom’; ‘Last To Leave’, which incorporates some witty Irish-isms (“God you’re on form tonight/ Finish your pint”); and the rocking ‘I’m Winning, You’re Losing’, which has echoes of both Garbage and Pillow Queens. ‘Motherhood’, meanwhile, proves harrowing-yet-heartening, with Reddy delivering an especially stirring vocal performance.

Endless Affair confirms that Ailbhe Reddy has what it takes to become an international sensation. She just needs the stars to align...

9/10

Listen to Endless Affair, out March 17, here.

Read our new interview with Ailbhe Reddy in the current issue of Hot Press – in shops now, and available to order online below: