A remarkable accomplishment…
28 · 04 · 2025
Maria Somerville’s ‘Luster’ is an exceptional album – a captivating, exhilarating, and intriguing experience that intertwines serenity with emotional depth. Sensually breathtaking, it feels cohesive yet elusive; a record that reflects on the uncanny, inspired by fleeting glimpses experienced at the periphery of vision, enveloped in an enchanting aura of magic that Maria Somerville has masterfully created.
Her debut release on 4AD, ‘Luster’ follows the buzz generated by 2019’s ‘All My People’. Although there’s a significant gap between releases, listening to the album reveals the immense thought and technical skill infused into every note – perhaps Maria Somerville truly required all six years of that time to produce something this extraordinary.
Characterized by remarkable creative development, the high points echo the landscapes of the Corrib in her hometown of Connemara. The opener ‘Realt’ emerges from the speakers like an audio fragrance, both shapeless and distinctly aware of the space it occupies. ‘Garden’ is firmly rooted by its sharp electronic production, hinting at the album’s fleeting shadows; while the symphonic ‘Halo’ presents celestial perfection, its fluid sounds reminiscent of a babbling brook.
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Guided by rural influences, Maria Somerville’s work also embodies a genuine modernity. While the immersive elements transport you beyond time, she is equally unbound by any single tradition. Consider the eerie, jarring neo-industrial elements that characterize ‘Spring’ – a track that crisply breaks down into a beat worthy of Massive Attack, driven by Maria’s semi-spoken vocals.
‘Flutter’ provides a chorus of mesmerizing brightness, whereas the cavernous soundscapes of ‘Up’ contend with endless echoes. Concluding with the dreamlike reassurance of ‘October Moon’, this is an album to be savored at its own rhythm. A splendid representation of world-building, Maria Somerville has crafted something truly distinct and innovative; a mysterious, ethereal song cycle, ‘Luster’ is sure to be regarded as one of 2025’s most important releases.
9/10
Words: Robin Murray
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Maria Somerville’s ‘Luster’ is an extraordinary album – a stunning, exhilarating, captivating experience that harmonizes the serene with the pastoral.