Dublin’s very own Robert O’Connor returns with his most expansive opus yet in "Swimming Against The Tide", an album that defies to conform, yet revels in the magic of pop’s golden eras. This ambitious, detailed collection captures the spirit of the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s while embracing Robert’s chic contemporary spin.
Joining acclaimed producer Gareth Shortland (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Steps, Will Young) for the second time, O’Connor spent two years crafting a soundscape that draws on sophisti-pop legends (Simply Red, Roxy Music) and sleek electronic textures (Röyksopp). The result? An album that transcends nostalgia, even as it embraces it.
The album’s title-track lead single, “Head Turner,” sets the tone with darkly nocturnal energy. A driving mix of grooves and the song is an electric confidence boost. “You’ve had the week from hell I know / but now you are on fire,” Robert sings, welcoming listeners to shake off their cares and take to the night.
Swimming Against The Tide is bold evolution for O’Connor, following the breakthrough success of his 2022 EP Severance (which amassed over 150,000 Spotify streams). With sounds both familiar and newly honed—including collaborations with songwriters like Gordon Pogoda and Tee Webb—he threads a needle between fan-favorite vibes and artistic evolution.
0 Comments