New music - Aoife O'Donovan - Age of Apathy

The new year if officially underway and, judging by the quality of the new music being released, it looks like 2022 is gonna be a solid sonic year for one and all. The latest evidence of this is the new release by singer/songwriter Aoife O’Donovan titled The Age of Apathy.

The obvious influences on this release include the likes of Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro and the elegant and spare arrangements found here, when paired with the artist’s skillful songwriting, creates a subtle, poetic lyricism is evident from the beginning notes of “Sister Starling” and “B61.” Another stand-out track on the record, “Phoenix,” reminds us all to ‘take a little more time’ and be ready to rise from the ashes of whatever we used to be. The references to fevers, earthquakes and all seem to resonate in times such as these.

The album was recorded in Florida during the pandemic, produced remotely by Joe Henry and conjuring an atmosphere, a tone, a feeling like a hazy, soft seductive warm breeze that both intoxicates and unsettles your skin.

Collaboration has been central to O’Donovan’s musical career and the guests on this album are all brilliant. Allison Russell offers her support on the hauntingly beautiful “Prodigal Daughter,” while fellow Grammy nominee Madison Cunningham helps finish the album with “Passengers,” an optimistic ode to life’s journey. O’Donovan also has plans to begin writing again with Sarah Jarosz and Sara Watkins on a new I’m With Her side-project in the not-too-distant future.

Until then, we have the wonders of Age of Apathy to enjoy. Start your musical new year here and rise from the ashes with a steady, hopeful gaze to the future.

Here’s a sample of what to expect: