In the summer of 2020, Irish musician Aoife Nessa Frances moved to the west of Ireland to begin working on the songs that would become her second album, Protector. A lifelong Dublin resident, Frances found solace being removed from city life. But perhaps more importantly, like many people in their late twenties who have finally shaken off youthful rebelliousness, Frances also experienced a solidification of familial ties like never before, and felt the formation of a protective, impenetrable shell. Fittingly, just before the recording process, Frances’ mother experienced a vivid dream. In it, Aoife stood at the foot of a mountain with an Alsatian by her side, a companion and guard dog to protect her along the path she’d chosen. That image stayed with Aoife – feeling a protector's presence accompanying her during the intense period of transformation that followed. Aoife’s an Irish singer songwriter, but well away from the traditional idea of what that means. Her sound is layered chamber pop with textures of psychedelia; what she creates is not what you would think of as a traditional, but the reference can’t be avoided. Across eight captivating songs we see small flecks of her very contemporary musical influences—from Broadcast and Amen Dunes to Patti Smith, Radiohead and Alice Coltrane. Ultimately, though, they are entirely Frances’ own. With Protector, she delivers a glowing act of restoration. Informed by universal pain as well as the power of connection, these songs find their magic away from city streets, listening instead to the hum of life that reverberates through the natural world. They trap glimpses of light and then crystallize them into new modes of being. A1 Way to Say Goodbye A2 This Still Life A3 Emptiness Follows A4 Only Child B1 Chariot B2 Back to Earth B3 Soft Lines B4 Day Out of Time
Release date:
October 28, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.
Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Jenny on Holiday Quicksand Heart
Transgressive
January 9, 2026 -
GORILLAZ THE MOUNTAIN [2xLP]
Kong Studios Essex Limited
March 20, 2026 -
Ludwig Göransson Sinners Score [2xLP]
Mutant
October 31, 2025 -
Agnostic Front Echoes Of Eternity
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
November 7, 2025 -
The Who Who Are You (Deluxe) [4xLP]
Geffen
October 31, 2025 -
Danheim Heimferd
Season Of Mist
October 31, 2025 -
Pouya Pouya (Charcoal/Black)
Pouya / Empire
November 14, 2025 -
Kevin Abstract Blush (Blue) [2xLP]
Kevin Abstract
November 7, 2025 -
The Boojums The Boojums
Having Fun
October 31, 2025 -
Slash LIve At The S.e.r.p.e.n.t. Festival (Tri-Color 3Lp) [3xLP]
Earmusic
November 7, 2025 -
Dillinger Four This Shit Is Geniuser
Anxious and Angry
November 7, 2025 -
Factory Floor Tell Me
Phantasy Sound
October 31, 2025 -
SML How You Been
International Anthem Recording Co
November 7, 2025 -
Prince And The Revolution Around The World In A Day (Deluxe) [3xLP]
Legacy Recordings
November 21, 2025