PREMIERE: Sarah O’Moore – Social Paralysis (2024)
With her new EP Social Paralysis, Irish singer-songwriter Sarah O’Moore explores what it is to be human. Producing this new EP, whilst honing her skills in the cultural melting pot which is Berlin, a long way from her native Cork, O’Moore has delved into the subjects which hit home with a lot of people. Much like the book O’Moore has cited as an inspiration, the James Joyce classic Dubliners, each track is its one story to be held in its own regard but still gives so much to the larger body of work.
Throughout the EP, it is clear Sarah O’Moore crafts her own style whilst paying tribute to influential soul singers such as Nina Cherry. Yes, the sound isn’t something we’ve not heard before but it is done well. The vocals add body to the tracks, with a richness that is second to none and complements the genre perfectly. In an already crowded genre of singer-songwriters, I think O’Moore’s voice is her ace up her sleeve. It brings life to the simplistic music tracks, you almost zone out to the music as her voice is so overpowering. That being said, lyrically I did find it hard to follow which is an issue for me when listening to music.
Opening the record is ‘Troubled Mind’, which was the first single from the EP too. I reviewed this single earlier in the month and in my opinion, it is a well-crafted soul song that would be at home in any dive bar across the world. The rest of the EP is much the same, solid soulful songs full of character. I would happily have it on in the background while chatting to friends over a drink. It definitely has the energy of something to enjoy with friends to while away evenings in summer.
I’m interested in seeing what O’Moore will deliver in the future; she has a sound that has so much potential to evolve and take on its own identity. From this solid foundation, there is room to build and explore the roots of soul and take the genre forward in the future.
Find out more about Sarah O’Moore on her Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
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