Australian Nun's Lo-Fi Pop Masterpiece 'Fire of God's Love' Reissued After 45 Years
A remarkable story behind a musical treasure: Sister Irene O'Connor, an Australian nun who defied convention to create a hauntingly beautiful album that blends folk, pop, and electronic elements. Released in 1973, "Fire of God's Love" was a groundbreaking work that has been absent from mainstream music for nearly five decades.
Now set for reissue by Freedom to Spend, a label dedicated to high-quality reissues of 70s and 80s amateur synth records, this album is a must-listen for fans of cult singer-songwriters like Princess Demeny and Mary Margaret O'Hara. Characterized by simple yet spectral arrangements featuring drum machine, acoustic guitar, and synth organ, "Fire of God's Love" feels both deeply religious and contemporary.
A fascinating backstory surrounds the creation of this album. In the 1950s, Sister Irene O'Connor started making music while living in a convent in Singapore. She released music under the pseudonym Myriam Frances to avoid controversy within her community. Upon returning to Australia, she met fellow nun Sister Marimil Lobregat, who shared an interest in audio technology.
The two nuns began recording together at Sydney's Catholic Radio and Television Centre, utilizing a four-track tape recorder to create their unique blend of music. Tracks like the album opener "Fire" (Luke 12:49) incorporate elements of dub, while others, such as "Teenager's Chorus," feel reminiscent of pastoral British folk music.
The result is an enchanting, yet hauntingly beautiful record that feels almost miraculous – a sweet and compelling pop record from an unexpected source. This reissue marks the first time in nearly 50 years that fans will be able to experience Sister Irene O'Connor's unique sound, and it promises to be a treat for those who appreciate lo-fi pop music.
This album joins an eclectic playlist of tracks this week, including Rosalía's "Berghain," Lankum's haunting adaptation of the Specials' "Ghost Town," Navy Blue's emotional exploration of grief, Magdalena Bay's melancholic strumming, Bog Band's tinkling synths, TeeZandos x Cristale's high-energy drill beats, and Betty Hammerschlag's dreamy bedroom pop.
A remarkable story behind a musical treasure: Sister Irene O'Connor, an Australian nun who defied convention to create a hauntingly beautiful album that blends folk, pop, and electronic elements. Released in 1973, "Fire of God's Love" was a groundbreaking work that has been absent from mainstream music for nearly five decades.
Now set for reissue by Freedom to Spend, a label dedicated to high-quality reissues of 70s and 80s amateur synth records, this album is a must-listen for fans of cult singer-songwriters like Princess Demeny and Mary Margaret O'Hara. Characterized by simple yet spectral arrangements featuring drum machine, acoustic guitar, and synth organ, "Fire of God's Love" feels both deeply religious and contemporary.
A fascinating backstory surrounds the creation of this album. In the 1950s, Sister Irene O'Connor started making music while living in a convent in Singapore. She released music under the pseudonym Myriam Frances to avoid controversy within her community. Upon returning to Australia, she met fellow nun Sister Marimil Lobregat, who shared an interest in audio technology.
The two nuns began recording together at Sydney's Catholic Radio and Television Centre, utilizing a four-track tape recorder to create their unique blend of music. Tracks like the album opener "Fire" (Luke 12:49) incorporate elements of dub, while others, such as "Teenager's Chorus," feel reminiscent of pastoral British folk music.
The result is an enchanting, yet hauntingly beautiful record that feels almost miraculous – a sweet and compelling pop record from an unexpected source. This reissue marks the first time in nearly 50 years that fans will be able to experience Sister Irene O'Connor's unique sound, and it promises to be a treat for those who appreciate lo-fi pop music.
This album joins an eclectic playlist of tracks this week, including Rosalía's "Berghain," Lankum's haunting adaptation of the Specials' "Ghost Town," Navy Blue's emotional exploration of grief, Magdalena Bay's melancholic strumming, Bog Band's tinkling synths, TeeZandos x Cristale's high-energy drill beats, and Betty Hammerschlag's dreamy bedroom pop.
It's like a treasure trove of hidden gems has been unearthed! I mean, who knew nuns could create such iconic lo-fi pop? 
Sister Irene O'Connor's story is literally the coolest - making music in a convent and then releasing it under a pseudonym to avoid controversy... talk about rebellious! 
The fact that she and her sister collaborator were using 4-track tape recorders back in the day just adds to the charm of this album. I'm totally getting on board with this reissue, can't wait to dive into "Fire of God's Love" and experience Sister Irene O'Connor's enchanting sound for myself! 
#LoFiPopRevival #NunTunes #HiddenGems #SisterIreneOConnor
just listened to the tracklist for this reissue and I'm intrigued 
i'm so down for some nostalgic synth pop & folk sounds . i've already added "Fire of God's love" to my playlist & can't wait to dive into more of her discography !
... it's crazy to think that 'Fire of God's Love' was basically a hidden gem for like 45 years... I mean, the sound is so laid-back and chill, but at the same time it's got this haunting quality to it that really draws you in. The fact that Sister Irene O'Connor made this music in secret because her community didn't approve is wild... it just goes to show how much passion and talent people can have when they're given the freedom to express themselves.
. i can see why it's been absent from mainstream music for so long, but at the same time it's amazing that it was created by a nun and released back in '73 
. sister irene o'connor's sound is so hauntingly beautiful, like she's channeling this otherworldly energy through her music 
. can't wait to give it a listen when it drops 
sister irene o'Connor's story is already giving me chills - an Aussie nun making music in a convent? that's wild 
can't wait to dive into this lo-fi pop masterpiece and experience its haunting beauty for myself 