Without Willow - Left Behind
Without Willow, the enchanting Irish acoustic folk/singer-songwriting duo, released their eagerly anticipated debut album, "Left Behind", in February 2024. Hailing from the picturesque Co Donegal, Ireland, Without Willow has already made waves in the music scene, opening for renowned artists such as Mick Flannery, Moya Brennan, and Declan O'Rourke. Their 2019 and 2022 sold-out headline shows in Germany and Canada showcased the duo's exceptional talent and global appeal.
Karen Kelly, a former qualified nurse, contributes haunting, heartfelt vocals that intertwine seamlessly with Simon McCafferty's artistic vision. Simon, a graphic design student and virtuoso guitar player, infuses passion and skill into emotive melodies, creating a sound as diverse as their backgrounds. The pair's synergy produces a poignant exploration of the human experience.
The album is filled with colourful tapestries, touching the soul both lyrically and musically. Evocative soundscapes, combined with lyrics displaying raw emotions transport the listener somewhere else. Away from the everyday stress and worries, to the place of calm, peace and beauty. These songs demand complete attention, not just the superficial one. And an open heart to get the deeper meaning of the words. There's a strong sense of longing, sadness/nostalgia throughout the album, presented in a way that the listeners can not only relate but reflect on their own life experiences. It's the honesty in the lyrics which resonates the most. We only have one shot at the rollercoaster ride called life.
Karen Kelly handles the vocal duties in the majority of the songs but in Lying, we get a chance to hear Simon McCafferty too, in a beautiful duet about memories of a relationship that could have been. An exception to the rule, Silver In Colorado, carries an stunningly vivid imagery within as you travel along its banks, hearing the opening words "leaving is just the beginning" and being taken along by the force of music and nature. The album feels like a concept album where the elements are intertwined and cannot be separated.