Album Review: Fears, affinity

Following critically-lauded debut Oíche, Fears – aka M(h)aol’s Constance Keane – returns with affinity. A romantic offering, this is deftly composed, with shimmering reverb, delicate electronics and whispered vocals to the fore.

Standouts include ‘4th Of The 1st’ and ‘11249’, ft. Jemima Coulter and Ailbhe Reddy. Exploring themes of connection and intimacy, Fears’ stirring vocals float above the prevailing ambience, with the tracks always retaining a welcome accessibility.

On the likes of ‘NY’ and ‘Fiel’, Fears sounds like Grouper – there is a real beauty to her haunting voice. Her often minimalist approach centres on emotional subjects, simultaneously deeply personal yet universal. While affinity is not as groundbreaking as her previous album, or her work with M(h)aol, it maintains Fears’ trademark melancholy – and her musical sense of adventure. Ethereal.

7/10