Ailbhe Reddy - Endless Affair (2023) [Hi-Res]

A much needed aural tonic for an extended emotional hangover, Irish alt-folk artist Ailbhe Reddy is preparing to release her highly anticipated second album, Endless Affair. Inspired by her romantic relationships and her fractured memories of many a fun night spent partying in her early 20s, the record is a tender exploration of emotional resilience that sees Reddy embrace the fact that - in her own words - she's "an absolute melt" when it comes to letting things go. Written and recorded between January 2019 and October 2020, Reddy paired up with producer Tommy McLaughlin - who also worked on her debut album Personal History - to co-produce the new album. She relished the opportunity to have more input and create a truly rounded sound on Endless Affair, which maintains the raw spirit of her debut, but showcases a development in her intuitive talent for writing songs that continue to tap into both a personal and universal vein. Ultimately, Endless Affair is a poetic reflection on personal growth, and a heartening reminder that we're all just Amateurs, trying to make sense of the bruises that mysteriously materialise on our bodies the morning after we've had too much of a good time. Reddy taps into our need to be with others, to soak up the experience as much as possible, and to remind listeners that they're not missing out - even if they have to leave the party early.