Album Review: Violet Skies - 'If I Ever Saw You Again'
Healing and feeling nostalgic, Violet Skies shows her beautiful and melancholic lyricism in her debut album 'If I Ever Saw You Again'.
Welsh Pop songstress and producer Violet Skies, real name Hannah Berney, has quite the repertoire. With over 20 million streams combined from her past two EPs and haven written for artists Mabel, LÉON, and Diana Ross, Violet Skies is putting herself in the spotlight with the release of her stunning and melancholic debut album, 'If I Ever Saw You Again'. Troubled and tired, the album came at the right time after an exhausting few years. Contemplating quitting music, she says, "I couldn't have made this album at any other time. There's a definite sense of destiny to it.". Violet Skies' candid lyricism will weigh heavy on your chest and leave an impression as she tells us about her love, loss and complicated life stories.
Introducing the album is the ethereal track 'Settle'. Written as Notre Dame was on fire and California was under snow, Violet reflected on her life to see if she's become too comfortable in her ways. Supported by demanding piano and choir vocals, Violet sends a warning that changes will only occur if you welcome the unknown, as that is how we learn and grow. We see this in the music video for Settle, directed by fellow Welsh songwriter and artist Greta Isaac. Dissatisfied, Violetstruggles through her daily routine and is only released when she decides to make a change.
Searching for an old love online, Violet can't refrain from wondering how they're doing in the synth-driven 'The Internet'. This track doesn't focus on unresolved issues or betrayals but on how Violet's old love has been doing since they separated. Layers of dissonant harmonies add to Violet's confusion as she sings, 'And we don't need to talk cause there's nothing left to say, but I'm checking up on you, to see if you're okay'.
'We Don't Get Along' is Violet's upbeat and acoustic confession of falling out of love as the realisation sinks in that they aren't compatible. With ties to this person, it appears that even though there is a connection between them, sometimes it isn't enough, leading Violet to question why they're still trying. 'Never Be Cool' keeps us on solid ground as Violet accepts her true self and qualities, whereas the love ballad 'Jupiter' takes us beyond the stars as Violet's breathtaking runs leave you stunned by her range and the production of the track.
The bubbly and carefree track 'When Are We Gonna Do This?' brings us back to earth. Asking the most crucial question, Violet Skies wants to know when her lover will stop delaying the inevitable as they grow closer. Confident that she's the one for him, she sings, 'He's taking her home, no it doesn't matter. Cause I know when I call, he's gonna answer'. As the drums and guitar intensify, the track has a happy ending, with the lover stating he's ready to make it official, making this track one of the more joyful of the album.
'What If One Of Us Died' shares a similar message to 'Settle' and focuses on Violet's uneasy fascination with death. The electric track begs the person of interest not to leave loose ends as either one could be in peril at any moment. Violet's lyricism shines in the piano ballad 'Love You Better (Go)'. The standout line from the pre-chorus, "If all of me is half of what you need, I can't keep you, prisoner, with me.". Supported by intensifying orchestral strings, Violet refuses to change herself to fit his desires.
These last two tracks broke me as I listened, and I still haven't recovered days later. The finger-style electric guitar brings us back to Violet's fascination with death with 'Hey God, It's Me'. Questioning its meaning, Violet is left wondering if there is a being who has the answer. Although an upsetting subject, featuring samples of her, her Mam and her late Nan laughing is a comfort, showing that death doesn't have to be terrifying in Violet's perspective.
A thunderstorm is a fear for some but a lullaby for Violet in 'Over The Valley'. This track is a beautiful dedication to Violet's late grandmother, and it is lovely that Violethas this song to remember her by. Accompanied by mellow guitar, Violet sings from the perspective of her late grandmother and shows her strength as she isn't afraid of passing, stating, 'And I'll be in the wind and always in the rain. You know I love the thunderstorms over the valley'.
'If I Saw You Again' is one of my favourite albums this year, and it should be yours too. Violet Skies' music is a breath of fresh air, and I'm addicted. A captivating storyteller, I admire Violet's strength and vulnerability as she refuses to hide anything about her life. If you find yourself faltering, Violet Skies is here to hold and comfort you.
Words by Amy Mealing
