Conor Mason - On the Surface (2018)

Hailing from the historic walled city of Derry, music has been ever present in Mason’s life from a young age. With three albums under his belt, and a fourth primed for release, Mason has now found his space on the musical landscape, conjuring the wistful wonderment of Elliott Smith, Grandaddy, Villagers and Matthew Jay.

Flowing gently by, amid a sea of hushed lilting vocals, whispering lyrical poeticisms and subtle instrumentation, Mason reveals himself master of hook, harmony and heart. At times fragile, tender and touching, his songs are paradoxically permeated by an air of richness and comforting warmth, yet shrouded in melancholy, and draped in Mason’s intuitive song writing and storytelling abilities.

Like an optimistic yet troubled troubadour, Conor Mason sets the scene for his fourth album On The Surface with the twinkling lights of 'Falls to Ground', his vocal and plonking grand piano eschewing a gentle and welcome sigh into our ears. 'We Watched the Sky Rotate' meanders solemnly like a stream in the dense woods, the plodding light percussion acting like footsteps on the banks, maybe it's just the time of year, but already there's a very visual and autumnal feel to the album.

After the lighter air of 'Follow', a poignant and uncluttered moment arrives courtesy of 'Passing Colours', Mercury Rev vibes abound, and it's clear that Mason feels what he writes as the track begins to rise gradually towards its ornamental finale. A different kind of calm settles around us on the album's title-track, this feels more personal with less of an expanse surrounding it, as though we're indoors, and in a strange way, safe. The melodies and background vocals are especially mellow.