Label: Royal Mountain
Released: 1st April 2022
There’s a sensational duality in the alternative rock stylings of Irish four-piece Pillow Queens, and their second album is no exception to this. A complex dyad of intimate sensitivity and anthemic passion, ‘Leave The Light On’ marries the vociferous strength of lead vocalist Sarah Corcoran and the angelic backing vocals of her fellow bandmates. With this golden formula, they explore the transience of emotions and the journeys our relationships to ourselves and others take.
Despite delving so deeply into the core of their feelings, Pillow Queens effortlessly translate them into uplifting and, quite frankly, badass tunes. Thanks to the fuzzed-out noodling of Pamela Connolly and Cathy McGuiness along with the thumping percussion of Rachel Lyons, every track is imbued with a confidence to speak its truth. ‘Hearts & Minds’ is the pristine specimen for this, a study in the insecurity of adolescence that still pumps with the enthusiasm of a rock ballad.
This is far from their only weapon. With just as much impact, the band can strip back their sound and fill the sonic space with little more than choral repetitions and despondent riffs to drive their sentiments safely home. ‘Delivered’ plays like a solemn mantra as Pillow Queens reflect on emotional burnout and finding yourself in a state of chaotic self-loathing. It’s a testament to the notion that the most empowering acts are those in which we confess we have no power.
Laced with a warm tone and a velvetine Irish twang, ‘Leave The Light On’ engulfs you in a comfortable and reflective vibe that makes it impossible not to be marooned in endless introspection. Pillow Queens set out to make this album by first exploring their own feelings, and thanks to them, we can easily get lost in our own.
