Album Review: Sive - 'We Begin in Darkness'

With the help of Veta Music’s Matt Harris, Sive has curated 11 tracks which elevate her to a whole new level of ethereal alt-folk delicacy.

The Kildare singer-songwriter’s second full-length offering is centred around the interplay between dark and light, with richly textured instrumentation and layered vocal harmonies pushing and pulling the listener in one direction or another.

Opener ‘Winter’ tackles the theme of impermanence, inspired by the cyclical quality of nature. As ever, Sive’s haunting, angelic voice would stop anyone in their tracks. 

Teaser singles ‘Beira’ and ‘Think Before I Speak’ are highlights, putting the Naas performer’s abilities as a songwriter on full show. Leaning into themes of death, anxiety, mythology, judgement, place and the body, Sive teaches us that light and dark are two sides of the same coin. The dreamy ‘Dancing Alone’ makes use of a repeated cavaquinho-plucking motif, while ‘How Could I Be So Cruel’ is deeply introspective and achingly beautiful. 

Ambient sonic textures combine with elegant storytelling on ‘haiku’, while sombre number ‘To Be Believed’ examines self-worth. The concluding ‘Annamakerrig’, meanwhile, is masterful in its gentle flourishes. Make no mistake – the spotlight needs to shine on Sive.

Score: 9/10
Listen: 'Winter'

We Begin in Darkness is out now via VETA Records.

Read Sive's April 2022 interview with Hot Press on her new album here.