Drawing us in with ethereal vocal synths and intricate guitar melodies, Tori Lord opens Conman with an assertive delivery as she sings, “I bet you hold your tongue when she acts like an idiot, I bet you swallow every single word to keep your place, I bet you don’t take her down to that dump in Costa Rica, and when the bill comes I bet you won’t pay…”
The opus expands with poetic prowess and serves as a bitter confrontation aimed at a manipulative, image-obsessed man. It is clear that Tori sees right through him, and accuses him of being fake in both his relationships and public persona.
Tori’s antagonist might appear “talented” and strong, but the repeated hook “you’re just a conman” suggests he survives by deceiving women emotionally. He performed for public approval whilst acting differently in private, and uses women for validation, status, or comfort.
The track holds a cinematic allure and would be perfect for a movie like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Heartbreakers, Do Revenge, or even Catch Me If You Can. It is clear that Tori holds resentment and disappointment, especially because she once believed in him. We learn that Conman was written by Tori Lord, co-written by Theo Tams, and produced by Marty Martino.
Speaking on her lived experience, the Canadian-born, New York–based alt-pop artist says, “It’s not about being fooled. It’s about recognizing the pattern, I saw it in my own relationship – and then I watched it play out again, just with a different cast.”
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Conman to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Tori Lord, including Love Me Over You, and Never Be.