AOTW: Flora Hibberd – Swirl

January 16th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Album of The Week: Flora Hibberd – Swirl

Release: January 17, 2025

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Cate Le Bon, Deradoorian, Kate Bollinger

Flora Hibberd’s debut album, “Swirl,” is a thoughtful exploration of language, connection, and the spaces where meaning slips through. Based in Paris but originally from the UK, Hibberd draws on her experience as a translator to craft poetic, layered lyrics that blur the lines between French and English. Each of the album’s 11 tracks feels like a reflection on how we communicate, weaving together themes of hidden codes and fleeting moments of understanding.

The album showcases Hibberd’s range, with songs like “Remote Becoming Holy” offering a whiney yet affectionate vocal tone reminiscent of FKA Twigs. “Jesse” stands out with its sentimental lyrics, while “Code” leans into folk-inspired beats, creating a grounded yet expansive sound. Produced by Shane Leonard in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, “Swirl” feels intimate and deliberate, capturing Hibberd’s unique voice and vision. It’s an album that invites listeners to pause and reflect, rewarding them with layers of emotion.