Album Review: ferna, understudy

They say that good things come to those who wait and that’s definitely true for Ferna. Talented songsmith Hannah McPhillimy unveiled her latest project in 2021, and in many respects, it’s the product of a lifetime’s worth of blood, sweat and tears.

Inspired by the work of author novelist Anna Burns (Milkman), the real life story of Coretta Scott King, and the struggles born from making sense of new cities and old friendships, the Coleraine-born, Belfast-based singer-songwriter’s first LP is a meticulously assembled feast for the ears.

Described as a labour of love for both McPhillimy and producer Stuart Reid, and featuring some of the north’s finest – including Girl For Sale and Beauty Sleep – there are highlights galore on this absorbing collection of folk and alt-pop.

These include the ice cool, synth-driven future anthem ‘Wasting’ (winner of Best Single at the NI Music Prize 2022); the OK Computer-esque acoustic oddity ‘Morning After’; the achingly lovely piano-dirven melodic shifts of ‘Walk On’; and the soon-to-be-huge ballad ‘Watchman’. Best of all is ‘Go Quietly’ – a beautiful effort full of space noises, future-pop flourishes and hooks forged in the heavens, it affirms Ferna is one of our brightest stars.

Listen: 'go quietly'
Score: 8/10

Out now via Stunt Double Records.

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