One of the most powerful song topics for artists to try and address through their art is that of the process of going through dealing with a relationship ending and yet still holding out hope that the situation might fix itself. It is something that at some stage the majority of people will go through, and as a result these songs will always connect with listeners in a way that other songs might not do.

One of the best examples of this topic in songwriting comes in the form of the 2019 single by Dublin indie-folk group, Lore, More Than This.

Lore, comprising of Carolann Carlile (vocals), Raymond O’Kane (piano), Luke McCloskey (guitar), Clíodhna McAteer (cello), and Rebecca Hall (violin/fiddle), have been building up a strong following on the Irish music scene over the last while for their intense mix of folk music and storytelling through their music. Since being nominated for the awards of ‘Best Irish Band’ and ‘Best EP’ at the Pure M Awards in 2015, they have featured at various festivals across the UK and Ireland, as well as receiving radio play, and touring with esteemed artists such as Cara Dillon and Kíla among others.

More Than This is the perfect introduction to the music of the group as the listener is shown the ability of the band to create an engaging and relatable narrative through their music.

Throughout the song we are presented with the tale of a relationship ending, and yet despite this ending there is still a feeling that they have given up something great. The song is a nostalgic ode to the great things that happen in a relationship while also being aware of the pain that the other person caused you when they decided that it should end. This is an extremely common feeling for most people who are struggling to move on from a relationship after it has ended.

The instrumentation around the track is excellent and helps to add to the sense of intense emotion and loss. The track is lead by a subtle piano riff with plodding drums over it which almost seem to represent the despair that is felt as you overthink the period after a breakup, before the explosion of instrumentation (with fantastic pulsing strings) comes in the middle eight seeming to show those feelings when you are hit with intense longing for the other person.

Lyrically there are also some really fantastic flourishes across the song, helping to paint the picture of the story for the listener at every turn. One line in the song that had a particular effect on me comes in the chorus as the listener is reminded of all those times when you hear a song that reminds you of the other person and all the emotions come flooding back to you. Something that I am all too familiar with.

“I know I tried but I can’t resist playing your favourite song.”

Great song.

MK