Album Review: Slow Skies 'Realign'

The debut album from Karen Sheridan, aka Slow Skies, arrives after several years sharpening her material on the live circuit, where she has supported the likes of St. Vincent and James Vincent McMorrow.

For an artist still in the early stages of her career, Realign is remarkably accomplished.
The slow-burning first number, 'Opening' catches the attention with its swelling guitar and reversed electro grooves. 'Shut Your Eyes' begins inauspiciously enough, but unfurls nicely and eventually drops its secret weapon - the lush, powerful chorus.

'Fire', meanwhile, is an assured piece of indie-pop showcasing Sheridan's melodic flair. Though the middle section flirts with MOR, the final third of Realign features some of its strongest material. On these tunes, producer Conal Herron seduces the listener with warm, shimmering synths.

Described as indie-folk in some quarters, thanks to her imaginative arrangements and finely-honed melodies, Slow Skies is a long way from cookie-cutter acoustic ballads. Indeed, tracks like the beautiful, dreamy 'Map Out' and the deeply melancholic 'A Place In Time' mark her out as an artist to watch very closely. A great beginning.

Out now. Rating: 8/10