Dermot Kennedy – Sonder

Writing the follow-up to a chart-topping debut album is no easy feat. Three years after a meteoric rise, and release of acclaimed record Without Fear, Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy is back with his best shot. The result is Sonder: a comforting, introspective record that sounds like familiar territory but on a bigger stage that’s more electronic, less acoustic. It’s a carefully considered and warm return on an unapologetically poppier scale. 

From the get-go, reflective Any Love reminds us that Kennedy is a storyteller first. It’s an Imogen Heap-style, vocoder-textured song that describes trying to move on with the lyrics “any love that ain’t you is a love that ain’t true”. However, this bold and powerful intro feels isolated from what follows: catchier and glossier tracks with rousing choruses and even a few drops for good measure. Kiss Me and Something to Someone feature a thumping, dancing beat that will undoubtedly convert well to stage alongside gospelly Homeward. Piano-ridden Innocence and Sadness is most reminiscent of the first album’s style for the original fans, whilst wistful Dreamer builds on this with more electronic influence. One Life is anthemic and recalls Ed Sheeran a bit, to draw a cliché comparison; perhaps similarities could be drawn charting their global ascent too. 

Sonder feels like a collection of personal poems written to be shared, with the songwriter’s heart firmly on his sleeve. An example features in Already Gone with the lyrics: “My soul stood up and stared me down, said ‘I have walked you down this road and I am proud.’” It’s hopeful and nostalgic whilst still drawing lyrical influence from themes featured in Without Fear such as nature. With recurring phrases and themes interlinking various songs, it’s clear Kennedy is deep in thought. Interestingly, the word “sonder” describes the profound realisation that everyone you pass is living their own complex lives. The good news is that this concept feels humble, personal and relatable. The bad news is that it starts to become a bit too familiar – a borderline safe sound eventually too aware of others. It loses the intimacy in favour of crowd-friendly, polished production.

Despite this, it’s a confident return to the scene that continues to highlight the singer’s unique gravelly vocals and unashamedly romantic lyrics. Kennedy continues to demonstrate a captivating artist evolution and Sonder will surely be a treat when taken on tour.

Bev Lung
Photo: Shervin Lainez

Sonder is released on 18^th November 2022. For further information or to order the album visit Dermot Kennedy’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Kiss Me here: