Niamh Regan’s initial offering, Hemet, succeeded in cutting through the noise of the 2020 pandemic, demonstrating that volume isn’t always necessary to make an impact. This impressive indie-folk creation led to partnerships with high-profile artists like John Grant and Villagers, and saw her gain a million Spotify streams. Many have compared her to Laura Marling and Lisa Hannigan, not the worst comparisons to draw.
Now, she delivers her sophomore album in the straight-forward style implied by its title, Come as You Are. It unflinchingly presents Regan’s perspectives on life, love, and relationships, including their harsher sides, mirroring the approach of her debut album. The album has a certain undertow of sadness, influenced by a challenging period in her personal life. Across several tracks, her feelings oscillate between rage, determination, and dejection. A prime example is the captivating song Long Haul, where she contemplates leaving a relationship but admits to a willingness to see how far they can push it.
Tracks like Paint a Picture and Mortgage depict a relationship filled with conflict. Despite highlighting the volatile emotional journey of a twenty-something’s love and life, the album concludes with the optimistic Record, where she sends a perception of waiting to her loved one.
Regan’s efforts to distinguish herself from Marling are evident in the song, pointing to her willingness to branch out. The album, recorded at Tommy McLaughlin’s studio in Donegal, has more instances of a full-band feel, although there are moments that suggest she could have pushed the envelope farther.
In Regan’s piece titled ‘Nice’, it stands unique with its gentle yet resonating rhythm shaping a track that reflects her own self-identified flaws. Whilst there are indeed stunning instances, such as the distinct Wilco-like essence of ‘Music’ or the grand finale of ‘Waves’, the constant requirement of a curveball seems to make ‘Come as You Are’ seem rather monotonous even though it boasts well-produced music. Nevertheless, the future feels promising for Regan, hinting towards an increase in popularity and providing ample opportunity to deliver her masterpiece.