Conor Houston – Problem Plays
By Libby Driscoll
Returning with his follow up single to ‘Outside the Grocery Store’, Conor Houston releases ‘Problem Plays’, a forceful ballad wrapped in an eccentric retro chic.
Conor Houston – Problem Plays
Opening with his notorious wit, Houston sings, “Hamlet's took up heroin, Macbeth props up the bar, Barry and his brothers penned a tune for them, then steps went forth to make a facsimile”, over sparse, roomy piano chords. As the verse progresses, subtle textural soundscapes creep into the cracks of the of the instrumentation, thickening the song’s atmosphere.
Eloquently wind-chiming into the chorus, the influence of the ‘80s power-ballad meets the distinctiveness of Conor Houston. Drums beautifully consumed by gated reverb command the intensity of the music’s aura, effectively projecting the song’s powerful ambience. The mixing of ‘Problem Plays’ is incredibly polished, with Houston’s vocals clearly leading the chorus without the need of backing vocals/harmonies to help boost them.
The staggered and strategic placement of instrumental adlibs give the song a distinctive personality, displaying a delicate approach to the songs arrangement. The guitar solo too nods its head to an ‘80s-style influence, with an uncluttered, memorable melody wrapped in driven electric tones, joining forces with the lyrics, “Grandma says to cheer up, 'cause it might never happen”, repeated until the closure of the track.
‘Problem Plays’ lives up ten-fold to the standard created by ‘Outside the Grocery Store’. Incorporating iconic sounds of the past into his own unique artistry, the retro-modern hybrid radiating from the mind of Conor Houston is a pleasure and a privilege to indulge in.