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Smidley – “Love In Every Direction”
Following Foxing's indefinite hiatus and final performance in 2025, frontman Conor Murphy has reactivated his dormant solo endeavor Smidley, unveiling plans for a new album titled Murphy Horse. The project's revival coincides with collaborative work and upcoming releases through Royal Mountain Records.
Murphy's latest single 'Love In Every Direction' channels the sonic density and instrumental layering characteristic of 2000s underground indie rock, featuring intricate guitar arrangements and emotionally driven vocal delivery. The track's accompanying music video, directed by Murphy and Wil McCarthy, reinforces this aesthetic orientation, whilst Murphy's recent live appearances alongside artist Lucy Dacus signal sustained momentum for the project ahead of the album's September release.
In short
- Conor Murphy (Foxing frontman) has revived his solo project Smidley and announced the album Murphy Horse releasing September 25
- New single 'Love In Every Direction' draws from early-2000s indie rock influences with layered guitars and passionate vocals
- Murphy co-directed the song's video and has been performing alongside artist Lucy Dacus
Explained simply
Conor Murphy was the frontman of Foxing, an indie rock band that ended in 2025. He is now reviving Smidley, his old solo project that he had previously set aside.
Smidley's music features intricate guitar arrangements and emotionally driven vocals, drawing from the sound of 2000s indie rock. Murphy is releasing new material through Royal Mountain Records and has been performing with collaborators including singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus.
The project's revival is significant for those following Murphy's career and the broader indie rock world, as it shows his artistic direction after Foxing's end. It also demonstrates that Murphy remains creatively active despite his previous band's conclusion.
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