Bringing together contemporary classical, electronica and cinematic soundscapes, Concurrence is the thought-provoking new album from EMER.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Luiza Clen

From the moody opening bars of Contingency, you can tell you’re in for something different with EMER’s new album. Sure, classical and electronic music have been combined before, but not quite in the same way she does it. A spoken word verse provides narrative texture before a sung chorus full of longing comes in. You’ll be stirred.

Acclaimed for being a violinist, composer and artist, Dublin, Ireland born and Los Angeles, USA-based EMER explores the concepts of identity, belonging and personal growth across the album’s eight tracks.

“Concurrence is about the contradictions we face within ourselves, the dissonance that often arises from our search for belonging,” she says. “Each track explores a different aspect of this internal dialogue – from moments of isolation to profound connection, from self-doubt to self-discovery. It’s a reflection of how we navigate these feelings, often in parallel with the world around us.”

Catalyst provides a mournful follow-up to Contingency, immediately establishing range. Back On This Planet shows some delicateness while Congruence is rich with stirring strings and a sense of drama. It’s a highlight.

The album’s second half gives us the powerful Crest of Waves, the eerie and atmospheric International Waters, a stirring instrumental version of Contingency and a return of Back On This Planet, this time complete with philosophical vocals.

EMER’s new album is beautifully realised giving us an irresistible blend of the classic and the modern. It’s highly recommended for anyone who’s looking to get immersed in something.

Concurrence is out now and you can give it a listen below.