Kerrin Connolly - Transitions (2024) Hi-Res

Boston-based artist Kerrin Connolly envelops with a dynamic, consistently melodic sound through Transitions, their third self-released collection of songs. The release “explores being 30 and navigating dissatisfaction and change in different contexts,” Connolly says. The production impresses with a variety of tonal personalities across the seven tracks, from the anthemic bursts of guitar distortion on “Fingertrap” to the dream-pop introspection within “American Psomething” and introspective folk of “Beige Ladies.”

“Interim” commences the album with dreamy vocal immersion and expressive guitar tones, lyrically capturing the period prior to discovering catharsis, wherein one contemplates about “something before the real thing.” A more blaring rock captivation shows on “Fingertrap,” yearning to “pull me out, out of this fingertrap,” in also conveying a desire to escape from a tentative state of flux.

Dissatisfaction and change are further explored in the peppy, magnetic “Photogenic Memory,” featuring a twinkling title-touting central hook that induces ample replays. “Invitation to watch the new big screen debut, but I prefer the one I’ve seen a hundred times,” Connolly sings, hinting at reluctance to change. String-laden bonus track “With My Hands” also stirs with its country/folk touches, while “Beige Ladies” is a heartfelt folk success that precedes it. Transitions is a resonating showcase in melodic songwriting and relatable thematic entrancement.