Opening to wistful piano tones, ‘Yellow Roses’ poses itself as an immaculate debut album from quickly rising folk wonder Niamh Bury. Expressionistic and delicate, the album flows in a harmonious blend of harp, string accompaniment and soft yet powerful vocals. The leading track ‘Discovery’ blooms the album open, lyrically announcing ‘merge and take flight, oh fledgling’. Bury’s first single ‘Beehive’ follows with a gentle melodic harp and string sound to create a honey-textured tone.

A mix of influences can be heard throughout ‘Yellow Roses’, weaving between folk, classical, jazz and alt-rock, inspired by artists as varied as Fiona Apple and Paul Simon. Track by track, Bury explores tradition, myth and freedom of self in perfect harmonium. An organiser of The Night Before Larry Got Stretched in the Cobblestone, Bury delved into her traditional roots through a stripped-back rendition of ‘Lovely Adam’ and her original composition ‘The Ballad of Margaret Reed’. Harking back to times of witchcraft, Bury’s expert songwriting combines traditional elements to bring the power of the patriarchy into question.

Her latest single ‘Bite The Bridle’ deeply roots itself as a folk tune, written about the depths of suppression that we go to in a bid to keep things running smoothly. The power of family, femininity and the search for freedom within it are heavily explored throughout the album. ‘Simmering Pots’ delves into the confines of domesticity, while ‘Piano in the Snow’ and the title track ‘Yellow Roses’ speak to Bury’s mother and grandmother respectively.

A simple pureness in its exposition allows Bury’s talent and powerful songwriting and vocals to shine through. Produced by Brían Mac Gloinn of Ye Vagabonds and released through Claddagh Records, ‘Yellow Roses’ takes centre stage as a unique and joyous album.