Ciaran McAuley & Shelby Merry - The Party

If there’s a better way to put 2025 on notice, damned if we know what it is! Having bossed it through the last 365 (not least with his springtime-firing ‘Love Heals’ and ‘Techno Club’ mixcomp instalment), Irelander Ciaran McAuley activates January through the emotively powerful stir of ‘The Party’.

One of McAuley’s hallmarks is drawing on distinct, original voices with which to frame his productions (Audrey Gallagher, Christina Novelli, Clara Yates and Linney all past notables). In Shelby Merry though, that methodology may have reached a new zenith. Shelby, an Ohio-born/Nashville-based singer-songwriter, first crossed over from her country, folk, and blues roots to the electronic music scene through her extensive work on John Askew’s 2024 album.

‘The Party’s title doubtless suggests one very specific type vibe, but vocally and lyrically Shelby always deconstructs the obvious and conventional. Her words feel raw and autobiographical, as talk of “broken crystal” and “being mean” hint at relationship-waters far from serene. As her song reaches its emotional peak (“I hope you’ll find a girl that doesn’t look like me”) you’re left wondering whether this ‘Party’ ever took place at all—or is simply a brilliantly crafted metaphor. Ciaran meanwhile matches her poignant lyrics with a production that knows when to dial back and vocally spotlight, and when to soar through its synth-driven intensity.

A tale for anyone who’s relationship has ever gone to ‘that place’, ‘The Party’ is available now through all good streaming and sales channels: https://blackhole.lnk.to/TheParty