Philadelphia-based artist Connor Kirk continues a stellar 2023 with his latest single “Athena,” representing the ninth installment of The Burning of Hunger City, a concept album released episodically via monthly singles and accompanying prose writing on Substack. Kirk first caught our attention in January, with the single “Strangers on a Train.”
“Athena” evolves from a piano-led folk sound into a synth-pop confessional, consuming throughout. The “downtown drifters,” escalation stirs with its late-night synth touches. Quainter, piano-forward verses craft compelling personalities in the narrative — reminding fondly of Jarvis Cocker in explorations of the human condition. The “offer my confession,” finale satiates with a cathartic, glistening appeal. “Athena” is another quality piece of songwriting from Connor Kirk.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of August 2023’ Spotify playlist.
