Photo Credit: Derek Bremner
In 1932 American psychologist Walter Pitkin published a book titled Life Begins at Forty, claiming “this is the revolutionary outcome of our new era.” What’s the relevance here? It’s the age of Roxanne Emery, better known by her stage name RØRY, who released her much-anticipated debut album Restoration. Most musicians start early, gaining life experience along the way, but RØRY has turned this on its head. Firstly gaining the life experiences to write about, then releasing an album of well written and produced songs around addiction, loss and everything in between.
“If pain could talk, what would it say?” is the perfect opener, as RØRY speaks to her inner demons. The vocals can change within a split second from smooth vocals to screams, all the while being back up with thrashing guitars, finishing with the line “RØRY this is the start of your story.” In The Bible is as post-hardcore/metal as we get on Restoration. Lyrically it’s one of the best on the record, as the vocals standout with lyrics such as “One in 20 million people taking anti-depressants/when I was not drinking every day to numb the depression,” keeping the listener glued to every word. RØRY released this one as a single a few weeks ago, commenting: “it is about finding hope in the darkest of places, believing in the power of restoration.”
Next up is WOLVES, giving RØRY another chance to get her impressive vocal range working once more. The raspiness of her voice here is so good. Hold On (ft. Roxanne Emery) is basically a song written to her former self, played in hip-hop style as we return to the pain of the past. These new songs are going to be very emotional for her ever-growing fanbase. “You buried me alive, you left me there to die” are the opening lines of BLOSSOM. This one has a very catchy chorus that just begs to be screamed back to the stage. Elsewhere Sherlock Holmes is slower and more acoustic led, perhaps allowing the listener to catch their breath. One Drink Away is another laid-back acoustic song that sees RØRY embracing the person she has become, after years of challenges with alcohol and drugs.
MORALITY $UICIDE begins with a very thought-provoking question: “I think that maybe there’s a problem on this planet/when did war become a universal language/they drop bombs and turn a hospital to ashes, that’s collateral damage.” If ever there is an anti-war song then this is it. We don’t usually focus so much on lyrics in a review but on this occasion we have made an exception, all ten tracks on the album grab you from the first words.
Next we have the best track on the album, SORRY I’M LATE. Another of the early releases, there is a video for this song that works so well alongside which is well worth checking out. The chorus is very memorable and is definitely one for the moshers RØRY‘s the upcoming live dates. The Atheist starts off nice and gentle with soothing vocals, acoustic guitar and a piano, before exploding into life. The highlight is towards the end though, as RØRY closes out with spoken words as she reflects on the past and looks ahead to a bright future. It really is a great end to an album that is going to gain RØRY loads of new fans.
RØRY really is at the height of her creative powers on this record and was crowned best UK breakthrough artist at the Heavy Music Awards 2024, proving to everyone that it’s never too late to achieve great things.
RØRY will embark on a UK in March in support of the album – the Glasgow date is one this writer is looking forward to and we can’t wait to hear the new songs played live.
10/10
Standout Tracks: In The Bible, BLOSSOM, SORRY I’M LATE
For Fans Of: As December Falls, Dream State, Against The Current
Written by: Alan Brown
