Dublin rockers The Violet Breaks drop (only) their debut album today, which is a surprising standout given how polished it feels. With a nostalgic indie vibe from the late naughties and early 2010s, the album bursts with energy for anyone who appreciates authentic songwriting and exceptional production.
The opening track, "Phantasm" (a previous single), hits hard and sets clear expectations for what's ahead. An almost math-rock-inspired guitar riff takes center stage, backed by a smooth, driving bass. Next is "Mercury," which has already seen a noticeable spike in streams and playlist support on Spotify—and it's easy to see why.
"Haradashi" brings a Killers-esque energy, continuing the momentum from "Phantasm" with some great breakdowns. "Replay" offers a welcome shift in tempo while maintaining the album's melodic consistency—something you’d typically expect from a third album, not a debut.
"Clarity" brings just that: a ray of sunshine through the clouds with a groovy bassline and lush guitar tones, paired with a vulnerability in the vocals that hadn't yet been heard on the record, making for a refreshing mid-album shift. Then comes what feels like the album’s emotional core, the one-two punch of "Arcadia" and "Lux," where the lyrics take center stage, revealing a new depth of poetic intent from the .
The final three tracks act as a reminder of The Violet Breaks' musical range, almost saying, "If you needed more proof, here are three more gems to show it’s no fluke." "The King" adds a new flavor before "Thrown to the Lions" brings us back to the nostalgic sound that defines the album.
All in all, this debut album from The Violet Breaks is a really well crafted narrative musically—one that shows they’re already ahead of their competitors (of which there are seemingly many in Ireland). Despite the noise, big things seem destined for these Irish rockers, and it's clear they’re just getting started. A mighty effort.
9/10 ⭐️