Kildare’s Ross A. releases Vestige, a full length LP showcasing many of this artists talents, it’s a really solid, immersive listen. This record feels like a clean slate in the best way. It’s mellow, layered, and leans fully into creating a mood you can get lost in.
Straight off the bat, with title track “Vestiges” there’s a soft piano, vocoder effects that give it a slightly spacey feel, and this slow build that gradually opens out into something sweeping. It’s not in a rush to get anywhere and that’s kind of the point. I think it’s the kind of track thats best when you’re walking with your headphones on, or lying in bed at 1am just letting your brain wander.
“Flowing To You, Flowing Through” is a bit more direct and has a nice groove to it, but it still keeps things loose. There’s a chilled beat and some unexpected stop-start moments that keep it interesting. The vocals are easy and natural, and the lyrics don’t seem forced. “My love for you, flowing to you, flowing through” is a simple line, but is really poetic.
Then there’s “Heartland Girl,” which is basically a short film in song form. It’s nostalgic and warm, full of beautiful details, sunflowers, soft fresh days, and that bittersweet feeling of remembering something that’s long gone. In my opinion, this is one of the strongest tracks on the album. It runs over seven minutes but somehow feels like it flies by. One of those songs you just drift with.
“Aria, Confessor” might actually be my personal favourite. It’s written like a real conversation, it’s got a timeless feel to it, and I love how stripped back it sounds. The storytelling is sharp but once again unforced, and it feels honest in a way that’s rare.
Other tracks like “Be OK” and “Perfect Clarity” keep that mellow conversational tone that runs through this record . “Be OK” is gentle and reassuring, it’s one of those tracks that feels like someone checking in on you. “Perfect Clarity” closes out the album with a kind of heartbeat rhythm and lines about memories, hope, and trying to find the right words. It’s a soft, thoughtful finish.
In my opinion, Vestige is an album made for late-night listening. It’s the kind of record you want to throw on during a quiet solo drive, when you’re staring out a train window, or when you’re lying in the dark trying to process the day. It’s got that slow-release magic to it. You don’t realise how much it’s gotten under your skin until it’s over.
Ross A. has clearly taken his time with Vestige, and it pays off. It’s not flashy or trying to force big moments, it just flows. If you’re into albums that you can sit with and let unfold naturally, this one’s worth your time. For me, it’s the kind of record I’ll keep coming back to when I need to reset or just switch off the noise.
‘Vestige’ will be around for sometime scoring its self a 7 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography