ABOUT THE ALBUM
‘The Girl Who Thought In the 2010s, Arrow in the Sky embarked on the creation of their self-titled debut album, a journey marked by rich veins of creativity, unexpected turns, and numerous challenges. Initially, the band pursued the traditional route of self-funding recording sessions at high-end studios. However, as producer conflicts and mounting studio bills accumulated, it became clear that this path would not lead to the sound Arrow was aiming for.
Instead, they chose to retreat to the residential haven of the Cronin brothers’ Transmission Rooms studios in Longford. With additional instrumentation and vocals added in makeshift home studios—Brian’s grandmother’s dining room, his childhood bedroom, and his father’s kitchen—the album began to take on a deeply personal touch.
“I could start to hear the personality of the band more when I had time to go deep into the recording and editing without looking at a clock worrying about studio time,” Brian reflected.
As the album was coming together, Conor McCauley began to feel a persistent numbness in his hands, later diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Despite frequent hospitalizations and the condition he wryly referred to as “More Shit,” Conor’s dedication to the project never wavered. Esteemed musicians, including Jason Cooper of The Cure, cello virtuoso Gerard Toal, former band member Shayne Byrne, and many other friends, generously contributed their talents, adding layers of musical artistry that enriched the album.
While the album was originally written for the most part in the wake of Ireland’s financial collapse and dealt with the effects of that on small-town inhabitants and their lives, these themes appear no less relevant now over a decade later.
“Many of the themes we were dealing with when first starting writing the album have strangely come full circle again. Things like the mass exodus of our youth and economic hardship. All these things appear to be relevant again. It’s like they never went away or we are stuck in a time loop,” says Brian.
A testament to their enduring creativity and determination, Arrow in the Sky have launched their new album with a launch night in Platform 5 music venue Mullingar. The album will be available exclusively on Bandcamp for digital download, on beautiful limited edition 12” vinyl and CD before its worldwide release on 2nd August on all streaming platforms.
Cardboard Town (Focus Track)
Ireland’s acclaimed alternative folk duo, Arrow in the Sky, is set to captivate audiences once again with their latest single, “Cardboard Town.” This poignant and evocative song delves deep into the intricate and often blurred line between brilliance and mental illness, a theme that resonates powerfully through its haunting lyrics and soul-stirring melodies.
“Cardboard Town,” tells the story of two kindred spirits navigating life in a desolate town, bound by their shared struggles and dreams. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of their journey, from the “cardboard town” and “harbour wall” to the “shipyard smoke stack” and “factory whistle blow.” The song captures the essence of feeling trapped in a place where “your life is not your own,” yet finding solace and freedom in each other’s company.
The refrain, “I dreamed you home / I dream you home,” serves as a poignant reminder of the longing for connection and the hope of guiding a lost soul back to the ‘Cardboard Town’. Delving into the themes of loss and longing, the fleeting nature of sanity and the beauty found in moments of madness. The wide-eyed explorer that has ventured out into the world and those that they have left behind.
Arrow in the Sky’s unique blend of alternative folk, rich storytelling, and emotive harmonies come together seamlessly in this track. The duo’s signature sound, characterised by intricate acoustic arrangements and deeply personal lyrics, is on full display in “Cardboard Town,” making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.