Album Review: Kerrin Connolly - Transitions
Written for Concert Chronicles. Original article here.
In the rapidly growing DIY music scene of Boston, Kerrin Connolly emerges as a rising star with their latest album, "Transitions," set for release on October 18th. Since their debut in 2019, Connolly has been steadily carving out a niche in the DIY landscape, and this new offering solidifies their position as an artist to watch.
"Transitions" is a cohesive exploration of personal growth, mental health, and the challenges of navigating adulthood and identity. Connolly's lyrics are rich with vivid imagery and metaphors, skillfully conveying complex emotional states and internal struggles. The album's themes of self-reflection and introspection take center stage in tracks like "Talk Therapy," "American Psomething," and "Photogenic Memory."
From the opening track "Interim," Connolly sets the tone with lyrics like "You have your whole life to get it wrong / So let's forget about right now." This sentiment of grappling with life's expectations continues in "American Psomething," where Connolly poignantly observes, "All the best laid plans / That couldn't meet demand are falling through." The song encapsulates the struggle of pursuing an authentic life in the face of societal pressures.
A recurring theme throughout the album is nostalgia and a preoccupation with the past. This is particularly evident in the standout track "Photogenic Memory." The title itself a clever play on "photographic memory" suggests that our recollections are often idealized rather than accurate. Connolly reinforces this theme with lyrics like "All the transition lenses the big bad world over / Couldn't stop me from looking over my shoulder," painting a vivid picture of someone unable to stop dwelling on the past despite attempts to move forward.
Musically, "Transitions" represents a slight departure from Connolly's previous work. While maintaining their signature introspective lyrics, the album offers a more lively sound. Upbeat guitar riffs and animated drums propel the songs forward as Connolly deftly navigates through various alternative rock styles, never lingering too long in any one sonic space.
The album closes with "With My Hands," a track that touches on personal struggles, self-doubt, and the difficulty of moving forward in life. Interestingly, these weighty lyrics are set against an upbeat musical backdrop, featuring a driving drum beat and a perfectly integrated violin. The song, and the album, concludes with the lines "What do I know? Well, I haven't got that far just yet / I'll tell you when I do." This ambiguous ending leaves listeners pondering whether Connolly is expressing hope for the future or resignation to ongoing challenges.
"Transitions" showcases Kerrin Connolly's growth as both a songwriter and musician. Their ability to pair deeply introspective lyrics with upbeat, diverse instrumentals demonstrates an evolution in artistry. This album is sure to resonate with listeners navigating their own transitions in life, offering both solace and catharsis through its honest exploration of personal struggles and growth.
Fans can catch Kerrin Connolly celebrating the release of "Transitions" at The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, MA, with support from artists Pretty Late and Merry Merry. As a rising star in the Boston DIY scene, Connolly's latest offering cements their status as an artist unafraid to chart their own course, both musically and in life.