Australian nun Sister Irene O'Connor's 1973 album 'Fire of God's Love' is set for reissue next month by Freedom to Spend. This long-lost lo-fi pop gem is a marvel of analogue music – a collection of airy folk songs played largely on drum machine, acoustic guitar and synth organ.
O'Connor first started making music in the 1950s while living in a convent in Singapore, where she met another nun who had experience working in audio technology. In Sydney, the pair would meet at the city's Catholic Radio and Television Centre to work on music together, recording on a four-track tape recorder. The resulting songs are devoutly religious but skirt lines between devotional music and contemporary pop.
The album features elements of dub, pastoral British folk music, and even sounds like a miracle – a sweet, compelling pop record from an unlikely source. Tracks like 'Fire' (Luke 12:49) and 'Teenager's Chorus' showcase O'Connor's unique sound, which feels more spiritually aligned with cult singer-songwriters like Princess Demeny and Mary Margaret O'Hara.
With its simple and spectral soundscapes, 'Fire of God's Love' is a quintessential winter record, perfect for the cooler months ahead. The album's reissue by Freedom to Spend will be released on 14 November, giving fans a chance to experience this hidden gem once again.
For those who enjoy Shirley and Dolly Collins, as well as Efficient Space's Sky Girl compilation, 'Fire of God's Love' is definitely worth adding to your playlist.
O'Connor first started making music in the 1950s while living in a convent in Singapore, where she met another nun who had experience working in audio technology. In Sydney, the pair would meet at the city's Catholic Radio and Television Centre to work on music together, recording on a four-track tape recorder. The resulting songs are devoutly religious but skirt lines between devotional music and contemporary pop.
The album features elements of dub, pastoral British folk music, and even sounds like a miracle – a sweet, compelling pop record from an unlikely source. Tracks like 'Fire' (Luke 12:49) and 'Teenager's Chorus' showcase O'Connor's unique sound, which feels more spiritually aligned with cult singer-songwriters like Princess Demeny and Mary Margaret O'Hara.
With its simple and spectral soundscapes, 'Fire of God's Love' is a quintessential winter record, perfect for the cooler months ahead. The album's reissue by Freedom to Spend will be released on 14 November, giving fans a chance to experience this hidden gem once again.
For those who enjoy Shirley and Dolly Collins, as well as Efficient Space's Sky Girl compilation, 'Fire of God's Love' is definitely worth adding to your playlist.
... like, it was already a gem back in 1973 lol. but i guess the new gen might appreciate its lo-fi vibes? anyway, i've heard of Sister Irene before - she's got a really cool sound going on, kinda like a mix between folk & electronic music 
. i'm definitely gonna check out 'Fire of God's Love' when it comes out next month, especially if it's gonna be part of that Efficient Space compilation i love 
I've been searching for Sister Irene O'Connor's 'Fire of God's Love' for ages and now it's finally getting reissued!!! 
I mean, a lo-fi pop gem from 1973? that's like a treasure trove of nostalgia right there! 
her music is so unique and quirky, I love how she blends folk and dub elements with that sweet, old-school synth organ sound 
it's like nothing I've ever heard before! 
i've never heard of sister irene o'Connor before but her music must be like a breath of fresh air after all those mainstream pop albums that are just so... samey 
anyone else get chills thinking about listening to this lo-fi gem for the first time?
. I mean, it's like she's channeling her inner Kate Bush or something! The fact that she was making lo-fi pop gems in a convent with a fellow nun who knew some tech stuff is just too cool 
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. its all about experimenting and taking risks, thats what makes art really special. and yeah, you can definitely hear the chill vibes of winter coming out of this album 
... for me, its a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life and not get too caught up in trying to make something 'big' or 'commercial'. sometimes its okay to just create for its own sake 
It sounds like the perfect blend of spiritual vibes and catchy hooks. I'm totally digging the idea of it being like a winter record - it's so cozy and atmospheric. I need to get my hands on this ASAP! 
Freedom to Spend is doing an amazing job reissuing these hidden gems, btw...
! And the fact that it's being reissued is just like, finally, we get to hear more of Sister Irene's beats... or should I say, her blessings? 
Anyway, I'm down for some analog goodness, and if it's got a chill vibe, count me in for this winter playlist 
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. anyone else know about this gem?
and it's finally comin out reissued by freedom to spend next month!!! 
i've been listenin to some dub & british folk vibes lately & this album is def one of them!!! 
can't wait to dive into this hidden gem!
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I'm stoked that 'Fire of God's Love' is getting a reissue! It's crazy how Sister Irene O'Connor's lo-fi pop gem was hidden away for so long. The sound is so unique and cozy, like snuggling up by the fireplace with a warm cup of tea 
. I can see why it would be perfect for winter - the spiritual vibes are really uplifting and calming. I've got my eye on that reissue for November 14th... might just give it a listen!
! I'm so hyped that it's getting a reissue next month 
. If you're into Shirley Collins or Mary Margaret O'Hara, you need to check this out ASAP 
It's like, a total hidden gem from the 70s that needs to be on every music lover's playlist ASAP! The lo-fi pop vibes are so hauntingly beautiful and the fact that it was recorded on a drum machine and acoustic guitar is just genius 
been listening to it nonstop since i heard it was coming back out. the lo-fi vibes are so relaxing and perfect for winter 
what's even more cool is how it blends spiritual & secular sounds. feels like a secret gem from another era