Prepare to be captivated by Big Romance’s intensely introspective and enchanting album, Sandy Hill.
Adelaide musician Conor Deery, the creative force behind Big Romance, has unveiled his latest autobiographical masterpiece, the enchanting album Sandy Hill.
This remarkable project takes listeners on a captivating journey through the abstract landscapes of the human experience, intertwining elements of emo, folk, and punk with heartfelt personal revelations.
Recorded independently by Deery himself, Sandy Hill comprises ten emotionally charged tracks that transport us to imaginative worlds filled with poignant storytelling.
The album’s creation was partially inspired by Deery’s transformative trip to the United States in 2020, where he had the privilege of collaborating with Tom Kelly, the esteemed mixing engineer who has worked closely with renowned artists like Alex G.
This sophomore effort by Big Romance truly showcases Deery’s growth and artistic evolution.
Born and raised in Adelaide, Deery’s musical journey began at a tender age, drumming for various bands and dedicating years to honing his craft through diligent practice and study.
For his debut album, Infinite Mixtape, Deery embarked on an adventurous voyage to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he teamed up with mixing engineer Tom Kelly, a trusted collaborator of Alex G and Snoozer.
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic in 2020, Deery’s determination prevailed, leading him to meet one of his personal heroes, the indie sensation Alex G himself.
After playing with acclaimed groups such as Dean Forever and Sons Of Zoku, Deery decided to channel his creative energies into his very own art project and band, Big Romance – which has to be said, is one of this Happy staffers favourite band names to date.
Fast forward three years, and Deery’s hard work has culminated in the release of his second full-length album, Sandy Hill, which hit the airwaves in mid-April 2023.
This mesmerizing record features ten tracks that seamlessly oscillate between stark atmospherics and moments of intricate detail, enriched by unconventional instrumentation.
Indie rock enthusiasts will undoubtedly delight in standout songs like ‘Obviously,’ ‘Bail,’ ‘Lost At Sea,’ ‘Path,’ and ‘Fortune (111),’ which showcase Big Romance’s offbeat approach, tender vocals, and experimental soundscapes, all anchored by gently grooving rhythms.
Continuing the spirit of cross-continental collaboration, the lead single from Sandy Hill, ‘alibis,’ features the ethereal goth-infused dream pop stylings of Irish artist Mani Bazaar.
The accompanying music video, with its disquieting imagery, captures the essence of the track—from bloodied scenes of Deery encircled by candles to introspective moments behind the wheel of a car, haunted by regretful memories.
“There is a lonely person waiting on the other side,” laments one of the song’s poignant lines, “I found him naked on the floor of all my alibis.”
With its profound introspection and captivating musical unpredictability, Sandy Hill stands as a bold and autobiographical testament, firmly establishing Big Romance as an act worthy of our attention.
Prepare to be spellbound by this evocative record that invites you to dive into the depths of emotion and embark on a sonic adventure like no other.
