Photo Credit: Onyx Chladilova
Irish Contemporary Folk Singer/Songwriter, Molly Donnery has just released her debut EP, "Times We Shared In Innocence", a project that features the poetic personal storytelling of both love and loss.
“The EP is a collection of songs that follow different relationships in their different iterations. It is titled Times ‘We Shared In Innocence’ because whether the relationships were loving or toxic, they all initially came from a place of innocence and intrigue, a hopefulness and an excitement for what was to come.” - Molly Donnery
TRACKLIST
Intro
Pull Me Under
She Hates Me In The Morning
Ramble
For Cathal
Times We Shared In Innocence
Molly Donnery was born and raised in the heart of Ireland's Midlands where she grew up with the natural love and talent for music. She played the harp and participated in musical theater, eventually creating her own unique arrangements blended of traditional Irish music, musical theater, and modern pop. At the age of 13, she participated in a national tv talent competition. She eventually began writing lyrics, which led her to find her true love in contemporary folk music and songwriting. Molly uses influence from her Irish roots, infusing traditional Celtic essence from her heritage into her unique, fresh modern folk style. She takes inspiration from classic folk legends like Joni Mitchell and Mary Black, but also from modern artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Mitski, and Adrianne Lenker. Her sound has also been compared to the likes of Irish artists like The Cranberries, The Corrs, and Lisa Hannigan as well modern folk and rock revival artists like Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Florence + the Machine, and Hozier. Molly Donnery officially debuted as an artist in 2024 when she collaborated on a song with The Ciderhouse Rebellion titled "Little Jimmy Murphy". Later in August she would release her first official solo single, "Ramble" which would lead to the anticipation for her EP. Next would come her second single, "Pull Me Under", accompanied by her first music video and the last single to have us on our toes for "Times We Shared In Innocence". The EP was recorded in Berlin Producer and Engineer, Daniel de Burca. Let's dive in!
Intro
We go into this EP with a 55 second introduction track, simply title intro. We're immediately greeted by Molly's flawless, Celtic vocals. She sings so beautifully and effortlessly; not a note or rhythm is out of place. It almost doesn't feel real, like you're literally listening to a voice from heaven. It's hauntingly stunning. It feels like an ancient Celtic chant as Molly's voice is put at the center of attention. There's a faint atmospheric instrumentation in the background, giving just the right amount of music to accompany the vocals. Molly sets us up for what's yet to come for the rest of this EP, as she looks back on a past relationship, and ends the intro with the words "I wish I told you..."
Pull Me Under
Next we go straight into "Pull Me Under", Molly's second single in anticipation for this EP release and her first ever music video as well. I highly recommend watching the music video, because it perfectly tells a story that accompanies the pain of the lyrics portrayed within the song. "Pull Me Under" is about that kind of relationship that is completely destroying you emotionally, and your partner doesn't even know or care enough to know that they're causing you that much pain or distress. They never spend quality time with you anymore, they disregard your feelings and it doesn't even feel like they're interested in you anymore; but you want them so much, that you hold on to every little last thread of hope that maybe they'll snap out of it and you can be madly in love again. "Pull Me Under" features acoustic guitar that seems to be telling it's own story as it switches up it's groove and dynamic while the song continues to progress. One of my personal favorite parts is the fiddle and the way it does it's own things, but yet perfectly intertwines with the guitar at all times.
She Hates Me In The Morning
"She Hates Me In The Morning" is a duet between two conflicting lovers. This song stands out with it's unique style, as it has a very stunning blues influenced acoustic guitar and chord progression. As the song goes on, it begins to take on some classic French tones when they bring in a dueling violin and cello, as well as an accordion and piano sooner on. It's a very dark and mysterious, yet sensual type of soundscape that gives you goosebumps. Molly sings with partner and musical collaborator Cathal Crowley. The characters go back and forth, sharing their sides of the story, as if they can't decide exactly who or what the problem is - but they know there is one. They finish singing with the classic "she loves me, she loves me not" thing we'd all do as kids when we'd have a crush on someone and pick petals off of a flower to see if they liked us back. The song then ends with an incredible minute long instrumental showcasing all the unique sounds and chords, giving them a chance to shine.
Ramble
"Ramble" which was Molly's first official solo single, is about the moment you realize a toxic relationship you've so desperately been trying to hold together is finally crumbling to pieces. The lyrics acknowledge a lot of difficult things, like knowingly putting yourself in a situation to be hurt, how their words towards you are always too much to the point that your mind stops making sense of what their saying, and how your anxiety can get the best of you and all they do is stand their and watch you struggle. The soundscape almost sounds medieval with a modern twist. It has brassy strings, orchestral tones and raw vocal harmonies that give it a very classic, whimsical soundscape.
For Cathal
Cathal Crowley inspired this song, "For Cathal" and is Molly's partner, the guitar player on this EP and the second voice in "She Hates Me In The Morning". Not only that, but she credits him for being the one who pushed her to start releasing her music and to create this EP to begin with. "For Cathal" sounds like pure love and joy. It has a cathartic melody that actually brought a happy tear to my eye. If you've ever experienced a love like this, I'm sure the same will happen to you as you listen. This is the kind of love that takes all your pain away. You feel peace and safety when you're with them; and when they promise you that they'll never go away, you actually believe them. This song is gentle but still has energy behind it's groove; it features acoustic guitar, piano and strings that have a very real, classic and raw sound. I love the little interlude in the middle of the song that not only puts emphasis on these instruments but also features whistling which adds to the joyfulness.
Times We Shared In Innocence
We close out the EP with the stunning title track, "Times We Shared In Innocence". Sang in A Capella, the silence behind Molly's voice speaks so much louder than if there were music. Molly sings like she did in the intro with very traditional Celtic embellishments and rhythms. There's a fair share of vocal flips and and hauntingly beautiful slides. Perhaps what is most beautiful about this track is when you realize how raw it is. You can hear every breath Molly takes, and how she just sings as if she's talking to someone without fear of staying on beat. It's pure emotion just flowing from her soul as she sings her final goodbye to a past love, wishing them well in their new relationship, really emphasizing to "hold on to each other". Molly repeats this line a few times at the end, the last time being so soul-stirringly delicate, it left me with chills.
Listening to the "Times We Shared In Innocence" EP left me wanting more from Molly Donnery. She is so beyond talented and this is only the very beginning for her. I was left mesmerized by the highly emotional and poetic lyricism, her effortlessly beautiful vocal control, and the way her unique personal sound felt like it was destined to be. Each song on this EP is an experience within itself; a story that grabs your full attention. I love how Molly takes pride in her Irish roots, has taken that traditional Celtic sound and created this new type of genre that can be considered modern and that mainstream music lovers can be drawn to today. I could hear any of these songs being played on the radio. Molly has been compared to a lot of artists from classic to new, but in my opinion, I don't think there's anyone who sounds quite like her - and I mean that in the best way possible. I am a fan and I absolutely can't wait to see what she does next. Make sure to follow Molly on her social media pages below to keep up on her journey!
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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