Dublin-based artist Robert O’Connor struts an infectious, vibe-y pop appeal with ’80s sophistication throughout his new album, Swimming Against The Tide. Alongside long-time producer Gareth Shortland, O’Connor shows a sound that spans from the disco-pop bounce of opener “Head Turner” to the lounge-friendly bass/synth intertwining within “Trick Of The Night,” which is fondly reminiscent of Roxy Music.
O’Connor’s own role as a music fan inspired the range of sounds throughout, as he dabbled across various genres as a listener throughout the recording process. “Last summer, I listened to only sophisti-pop from the mid-to-late ‘80s – from Simply Red to Roxy Music – and then I would pivot and become enamoured with electronic acts like Röyksopp,” he says. “This influenced the choices we made when producing the record, and it felt like I was revisiting chapters of my life musically.”
A multitude of highlights are abound within. “Summer Is Waiting” proves uplifting from its “feeling down,” initial moroseness into the “summer is waiting,” blast of warmness. Doses of woodwinds combine with stylish synths for an enveloping sounds, with shades of The Style Council. Elsewhere, “Hard Rain” invokes a glistening synth-pop radiance in its various vocal layers and hooky vigor — recalling the likes of Pet Shop Boys and Erasure. “What A Time To Be Alive” shows a similarly yearning — “wanna connect with you,” — amidst a peppy synth-pop charm, closing this stellar album in quality form. From debonair intrigue to shimmering pop hooks, the production excels.
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“Head Turner” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
