On May 9, 2025, Irish duo Varo released their second album, “The World That I Knew.” The album was recorded, mixed, and produced by John ‘Spud’ Murphy and mastered by Harvey Birrel.
Varo features Lucie Azconaga on vocals, fiddle, harmonium,
bouzouki, organ, and piano and Consuelo Nerea Breschi on vocals, fiddle, and viola.
For this album, Varo collaborated with other artists. The collaborations can be
seen in the track list below.
Many of the songs incorporate harmonies that sound minor but
are haunting in a beautiful way. While they evolve to other sounds, these
harmonies are characteristic of Varo as heard on this album as well as their first
album.
The album starts off with “Lovers and Friends.” It talks
about how in times of darkness, our social connections are what will get us
through. The song was originally written by Sean Mone out of frustration of
politicians who refuse to work together for the better of their constituents.
Varo’s arrangement includes powerful harmonies that will stick with listeners
for a long time. While the song is an older song, it still resonates in today’s
political climate.
“Skibbereen” is a 19th-century song that tells the
story of a father telling his son about the Great Hunger and the tragic effects
it had on Ireland. Like many Irish people of that time, they decided to
emigrate to escape the hardships of the Famine. It mentions that the boy had
encountered illness, and they were evicted from their house.
“Sweet Liberty,” though written in the 19th century,
is still relevant today. It was written by poet and weaver John Shiel and
carries a message of anti-racism and uniting people against the oppressor. It
mentions that we all trace our roots back to Adam and Eve and that we need to
be united no matter our clan or race.
Overall, the album is perfect for those who love traditional
Irish music but want it in a more contemporary setting. The songs on this album
pay homage to traditional Irish roots while adding their own flair to the
tracks. While many of the songs incorporate the same haunting harmonies at some
point in the song, the songs have different feels. Those who are fans of the
Wailin’ Jennies will love this album.
Track List and Collaborations
1. Lovers and Friends: Ruth Clinton and Cormac Mac Diarmada
(Poort Creature) (vocals, fiddles)
2. Red Robin Alannah
Thornburgh (harp)
3. Heather on the Moor : Inni K (vocals) / Libby McCrohan
(Bouzouki)
4. Green Grows the Laurel : John Francis Flynn (vocals, whistles)
5. Open the Door : Anna Mieke (vocals)
6. Work life out to Keep life in : Niamh Bury (vocals),
Aongus McAuley (cello), Alex Borwick (trombone)
7. Let no man steal you thyme : Lemoncello (vocals, guitar,
cello)
8. Skibbereen : Junior Brother (vocals, guitar), Ben Strong
(fiddle)
9. Sweet Liberty : Ian Lynch (vocals, uilleann pipes)
10. Alone : Slow Moving Crowd (viola, cello, nikelharpa),
Branwen (vocals)
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