REVIEW: Cora’s Debut EP ‘Head Rush’ is a Beautiful Breath of Fresh Air
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY SULLIVAN JORDAN ☆
VIBRANT, EMOTIONALLY INTIMATE AND RICH, Cora dives heart first into an exploration of the complex emotions surrounding a fleeting romance. Through four dynamic and passionate tracks, Cora’s debut EP Head Rush illuminates how love is our greatest strength, but can also sometimes be our biggest challenge. An expansive and cinematic production blends with fresh drums and string instrumentals, building an undeniably cathartic and freeing presence to the project.
A cheerful, guitar-led intro kicks off the EP with “Right Person, Wrong Country” as Cora reminisces on a romance halted by distance and bad timing. Cora is painfully aware of time slipping away as she emphasizes the importance of cherishing the little moments, and holding them close, especially through the bad: “I watched you stare/Into my eyes/As the clock struck twelve/That little moment of heaven/Was worth whatever hell.” Her resonant vocals blend seamlessly with a hopeful instrumental palette as a springy combination of drums, clapping and guitar build into a racing bridge that wishes for time to slow down or stop altogether: “Drunk night highs/kissing at the bar/Late night drives/Staring at the stars/Stop the time/And hold me where we are/Hold me where we are/Hold me where we.” A lighthearted ringing of pub noises sounds in the background, adding to the track’s hopeful energy and reflecting the charming lyrics.
“Football Field” and “Head Rush” see Cora explore a more intimate and delicate side to her vocals and accompanying instrumentals. More relaxed production throughout both tracks allow Cora’s vocals to shine and weave seamlessly through simple, yet endearing guitars and piano. As she tries to decipher mixed signals from someone who doesn’t see her for who she truly is, Cora’s vocals expand into angelic riffs as she searches for answers: “But then you/Call me by my last name/Like a mate on the/Football field/Like none of it/Was ever real/Was it ever real?/Was it ever real?” Subtle background noise of people playing football grounds the expansive production in “Football Field,” showcasing Cora’s musical confidence and authenticity.
Cora’s debut EP concludes with a re-introduction of energetic instrumentals on “Sandy” with an inspired combination of bouncy guitars and drums. Her vocals and lyrics are confident as she decides to never change herself for anyone, and live as who she is: “I want someone who wants me/Someone who watches me/Dancing on the dance floor/And joins me for the encore.” The track is filled with an infectious energy that makes you want to dance like no one is watching.
“Head Rush” introduces a fresh and exciting new voice in the indie-folk music scene. Growing up in Ireland and now based in London, Cora’s sound is rich in lively and moving traditional Irish singing and storytelling, steeped in her unique tender touch. Cora’s lyricism is vulnerable as she shapes the instrumentals and production around her emotions, creating a dynamic contrast and electric rhythm.
