* (Asterisk) - Simeon Kirkegaard
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
* (Asterisk), by Simeon Kirkegaard, is more than just another release; it’s a deeply personal, emotionally charged journey that showcases a blend of melodic storytelling and poetic lyricism.
Recorded in some of Ireland’s most renowned studios—Westland Studios, Orphan Studio, and The Meadow—this album carries an authentic, organic warmth that’s hard to fake. Add in mixing by Benny Steele in Los Angeles and mastering at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, and you have an internationally polished sound that still holds onto its raw, intimate core.
Kirkegaard’s influences are unmistakable—fans of Radiohead, Oasis, and The Beach Boys will find themselves right at home. The album seamlessly shifts between grandeur and grit, weaving together lush orchestral arrangements and sweeping harmonies.
The album features an impressive lineup of musicians, including Fiachra Trench, whose orchestral magic helped shape The Pogues’ "Fairytale of New York." That same magic is alive and well on * (Asterisk), where Trench’s arrangements elevate the music to cinematic levels of emotion and beauty.
Credit: Photo: Johnny Savage
Lyrics play an equally vital role, with contributions from Feileacan McCormick and Gavin Glass, turning each track into a poetic exploration of love, loss, and hope. It’s deeply introspective but never self-indulgent, making it easy to connect with on a personal level.
For an album ten years in the making, * (Asterisk) doesn’t disappoint—it feels lived-in, carefully crafted, and unapologetically real. Simeon Kirkegaard has once again pushed his creative boundaries, proving why he remains one of the most compelling voices in the Nordic music scene.
If you’re looking for an album that resonates long after the last note fades, * (Asterisk) is it.
* (Asterisk) is available now on all major streaming platforms
