Aoife Nessa Frances paints a ‘Fantasy’ world in new ethereal single
When spirituality and song-writing blend, can you expect anything other than dreamy vocals and a bewitching harp?
Photo: Kate Lawlor
Deep within every woman’s soul lives a connection to the harp. If you ask me, this divine instrument doesn’t get the love it deserves in modern music. However, Aoife Nessa Frances’ new single Fantasy satisfies that intrinsic feminine need, decorating the track with flourishes of harp accompaniment that is nothing short of spiritual.
Fantasy came to Frances at a time when she was learning to read tarot. Drawing from the High Priestess card, the Irish singer-songwriter connects two worlds — the mortal plain and the unconfined, mystical realm of the mind. Méabh McKenna’s harp combined with Frances’ dreamy vocals create a meditative listening experience.
Frances’ songwriting skills shine in the aptly named Fantasy with moments of tension before easing into a gentle release, supported by a chorus of backing vocals, propelling the lead’s ascension. Despite the track containing many layers of instrumentation, her voice never feels like it plays second fiddle to the string quartet, always finding a way to rise to the top, her voice like cream.
Fantasy sports a long outro, the last vocals ceasing one minute before the track ends. This extended sound soothes the listener into a trance. What do you see? For me, I imagine myself in a forest, surrounded by the creatures of the woods; each animal, plant, sound, and feeling dancing together in harmony where we’re all safe, and we’re all loved.
