Conor Murphy is back, and he’s bringing a dose of reflective honesty with his new album, Smidley. Following an indefinite hiatus from his band Foxing, Murphy has channeled a year filled with confusion and doubt into sound, resulting in a project that serves as both a personal journey and a commentary on finding certainty.
The latest offering, Murphy Horse, marks the third album released under Murphy’s moniker. It arrives on September 25 through Royal Mountain Records, promising a collection of songs that distill complex emotions into catchy, resonant melodies. As Murphy shared during the announcement, the music is rooted in a profound realization: amidst the doubt, the only solid truth he discovered was the love of his life—an idea that became the foundation for every track on the record.
Musically, Murphy Horse is an intricate tapestry woven by Murphy and his collaborators. The rhythm section features Foxing’s bassist Brett Torrence on guitar, Mitch Renfrew on bass, and Jack Middeke on drums, creating a foundation that is both solid and fluid. The soundscape was meticulously polished, with Joe Reinhart handling the mixing and Ryan Schwabe delivering the masterful final touches during the mastering process.
The album also features compelling guest appearances from acclaimed artists, including Lucy Dacus, who contributes vocals to the single “Capstone,” alongside Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, Adam Schatz, and Brooks Tipton. This collaborative spirit adds layers of texture and depth to the overall narrative.
The tracklist for Murphy Horse is a journey through introspection, featuring tracks like “Corpse Flower,” the featured single “Capstone (ft. Lucy Dacus),” and deeply personal pieces such as “Love In Every Direction” and “Old Things Never Die.”
Fans can experience this new work live as Murphy embarks on an upcoming tour. The Smidley tour schedule spans the summer and fall, bringing these newly released songs to audiences across the country. Dates include stops in Asbury Park, NJ; St. Louis, MO; Toronto, ON; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Cleveland, OH; Lexington, KY; Champaign, IL; Birmingham, AL; Athens, GA; Charlotte, NC; and Chattanooga, TN.
The tour dates are packed with excitement, offering fans a chance to hear the sound of confusion and certainty unfold live. This is more than just a concert; it’s an invitation to explore the raw, honest emotional landscape captured in Murphy Horse as Conor Murphy continues his musical journey.
Credit: BrooklynVegan
