The long awaited debut album from ROE has been worth counting down the sleeps for. The winner of the NI Music Prize for the Best Emerging Artist releases ‘That’s When the Panic Sets In’.
That’s When the Panic Sets In was recorded and produced in the wilderness of Co. Donegal by Tommy McLaughlin (Villagers/SOAK) in 2021. ROE said: “We were halfway through recording my album when I wrote ‘Alarms’ and immediately knew it needed to be how the record ended.”
“I think this song speaks for itself so I don’t want to ruin it with any kind of possible explanation. All that I will say is that it’s the song on That’s When The Panic Sets In that means the most to me, and getting to sing on it with some of my best friends was one of the most fulfilling experiences ever. “That’s When The Panic Sets In represents who I’ve become over the past couple years. It was recorded in Attica Recording Studios with Tommy McLaughlin, and was the most fun I’ve ever had creating music.”
The album is a truly vibrant release, with rich contrast between ROE’s introspective anxieties, and the colourful palette that she’s thrown across them. Hear the development and evolution of an artist and their style in real time over the course of 12 joyous, introspective and beautiful tracks.
From the opening trumpet fanfares of the sharp witted opener ‘New Behaviours’, twists and turns through the recesses of ROEs mind, stopping off along the way at tracks like ‘A Temporary Thing ’ – a song ‘steeped in poignant imagery with an emotionally wrenching narrative’, the confessional and introspective ‘Cold Feet ’, before finishing with new single ‘Alarms’ – an indie-folk, gang vocal laden anthem steeped in ROEs trademark authenticity, touching on themes of disappointment and overcoming insecurity.
Shifting from heartache to love-ache, and woven by a nostalgic wand; ROE casts lyrical spells. Spells that become a recurring theme throughout. Drenched in lingering vibes of the post-summer blues, the album plays like a self-help DIY kit. A kit which is full of remedies, a musical bandage, and pop rock ballads which can heal wounds.
