Emilia Quinn's Debut Album: A Soul-Baring Musical Masterpiece
Wanderlust and Breaking Rules
It's arrived: the the eagerly anticipated debut album for the mighty Emilia Quinn, the uncategorizable, genre-defying superstar. Short history: I first caught Emilia in 2019 in a support slot and have been gripped ever since, catching her multiple times a year, and even the full band debut. If you have been following me and reading my writings about Emilia over the years, you would know the backstory, so I will skip that part. Now, on to the album, and wow, what a release! I've listened to it at least 20 to 30 times in the last week. The first listen was on a long drive to a gig, which is my favorite place to listen to things as there are no distractions. Before we get into it, three tracks hit me very hard. I was bawling in the car, but I will talk about them later.
1.River The album opens with "River," the statement of intent for the album. If you're trying to capture someone who has never heard Emilia before and get them to listen to the whole album, it's the perfect start. The powerhouse vocals immediately grab your attention. The range is outstanding, joined by harmonies and a powerful band entrance. More of that outstanding vocal range and runs combined with the electric guitar sliding all over the place to perfection. The solo section towards the end showcases the depth of this track, followed by more self-harmonies and backing vocals. "Build me a castle so I can live forever inside my soul" ends with an epic vocal run.
2. Magpie On to track two, "Magpie." It's a different style and vocal range to start, completely different, yet it has all the incredible sounds you would expect from an Emilia track. The full band rocks it out on the down low, and her signature vocal runs go in every direction. Key moments include "She's beauty, she's grace, she's a kick in the face," silky and smooth before the vocal runs of "She's mine." There are lots of high-power presence moments before she brings it down. What a combination of vocal ability, and then the band breakdown sections let her vocals shine with an epic vocal run to end. What a second track to keep a new listener gripped.
3. Nothing to Lose is a beefed-up version of an older track that she wanted to breathe new life into, and wow, it's been beefed up to the max. Short acoustic guitar runs combined with epic vocals from Emilia lead into the first vocal growl moment of the album, "Run wild through my veins." That signature growl is always outstanding, dominating the vocal feature in this track, combined with electrifying guitar parts and an incredible full band rock-out ending.
4. Mr. Shame bursts to life with a powerful rock sound and Emilia's distinctive vocals. The song kicks in with strong lyrics against a steady rhythm, making it clear that Emilia is on her way to stardom. The second part of "Mr. Shame" is breathtaking. An ethereal "ooh" vocal section creates an otherworldly atmosphere, leading to the echoing lyrics, "I know your name." The song then transitions into a band breakdown with impressive runs and stirring vocals, all against the backdrop of the recurring refrain, "I know your name." This leads to an electrifying solo, with the drums controlling the track's intensity. "Mr. Shame" is sure to be a live performance highlight, a high-energy masterpiece.
5. In My Boots Now, it's time for the first track that hasn't been previously released as a single: "In My Boots." This track takes the album to a whole new level, with stomp-clap rhythms running throughout, providing an incredible backbone. "I've got 6ft 5 in my boots" and other lyrics run around with constant backing from the band, and the vocal runs are plenty and build up all the time with short vocal backup harmonies from a band member, adding a whole new level. "No one can contain this fiery love" leads to an elongated vocal run, a powerful, long-standing moment that leads into the full band with an outstanding harmonical section leading the way in this band section. "Wicked games, they come for free" leads to mighty growls. There are more mighty growl moments on certain lyrics to give the vocals a real presence, and the band provides mighty backing before it returns to the bare-bones style of the start to end. Wow, what a track.
6. Mountains Now, it's time for "Mountains," track 6 on the album. It's a stunningly beautiful piano number with emotive chords and the tone of her voice conveying raw and emotional lyrics. She's pouring her heart out in this song, capturing the rawest moments with her lyrics, runs, and growls. "I feel like screaming till my lungs give out" and "I feel my head filling up with doubt" are tender lyrics.
and word from me to her She should never feel any doubt ever and should never give up. The song and the whole album are a masterpiece. I was moved to tears at this moment and still get emotional every time I hear this song. I've followed her for so long and witnessed her musical journey. There's a slightly longer pause at the end of the track. You will need a moment.
7. On the Run is a rocky and edgy number that starts with the full band crashing in before her vocals take the lead, backed by an acoustic guitar. It's an epic full band number, with a perfect short breakdown moment to let her vocals take the lead and some fantastic guitar solos. The song ends with a mighty band fade-out and an epic vocal run. It's an electrifying fade-out.
8.Daddy's Little Girl is my favorite track and the title track from the album. It started with a super catchy acoustic guitar riff, shortly followed by the same riff on an electric guitar. The track is backed by a super steady band, with vocal runs and moments working perfectly with the band, leading to a short drum build-up. The lyrics "How can I be Daddy's girl at all" include an epic vocal run, leading to some excellent electric instrumentation. It's a stunning transformation from an acoustic number to a full band rock-out anthem.
9. "Rosary Beads" is the penultimate track on the album, and it's clear from the tone she conveys that it's going to be another emotional one. It's just acoustic and her super smooth vocal tones. The track is about her granddad's story, and about a minute in, the soft band backing comes in to add another layer to this track. "The value of this you don't know" combines with some beautiful background harmonies, leading to an excellent band section with eclectic solos to give this track some excellent emotive feel. "Don't wait till the last moment, there's value in the thing you don't know yet." Wow, what an outstanding vocal run and moment she's giving her all, so emotive. I'm moved to tears at this moment.
10. Backroads The final track, "Backroads," slows down, a tender track with emotive piano Rhodes starting it off. "I've found comfort in the chaos" – the whole lyrics are so raw and tender. She's giving you a full glimpse into her story and life, and giving you everything emotionally. "I'll keep driving down these backroads" – it's a story, and I think she's found the end goal, fulfilled the story, and she's found her light in her life, Tammy. Halfway through, the band comes in to add another layer to the outstanding emotion she is conveying, and the band drops out to come back in for short bursts, adding another layer to her vocal runs. What an ending track, slow, tender, and raw, the perfect ending to a masterpiece. "Fly" and an incredible elongated vocal run, the third track that brings me to tears again.
The album is a masterpiece. I've seen her recently and found out that this is the second time the album has been mixed and mastered in two months. These new mixes have brought the tracks to a whole new level, capturing the essence and presence of her live, but on a record. The album is band-recorded, as if live from a studio. The tracks are produced to perfection, with little instrumental parts and vocal moments that add an extra layer to the production.
She's a future superstar in the making. I was going to say it's like the "Medicate" EP but on steroids, but it's more than that. It's a statement piece of work and a mighty debut album. Some artists take years to find and craft their sound, but she has done that on a record. She should be immensely proud of what she has created here. Every track stands out, all completely different, showcasing her vocal ability and songwriting craft. The emotions she can convey and make you feel are like no other artist I know. Her storytelling is so raw, and I feel so connected. What's next? Who knows, but I'll be there for sure. There's a UK tour, and I'm doing it all, but I expect big things to come off the back of this record. She's always unpredictable, and this will be an absolute game-changer in her career.
The most poignant aspect of composing this review is that I'll never be able to recapture the initial thrill of experiencing that first listen and articulating my thoughts in the same way. tell next time
The stunning debut album from Emilia Quinn 'Wanderlust & Breaking Rules' is out on 17th November 2023.
Track listing
1."River" 2. "Magpie" 3. "Nothing to Lose" 4. "Mr. Shame" 5. "In My Boots" 6. "Mountains" 7. "On the Run" 8. "Daddy's Little Girl" 9. "Rosary Beads" 10. "Backroads"
Pre-save / Pre-order here - https://presave.w21records.com/wanderlust
Her debut headline UK tour is kicking off in two weeks! Join her as she takes the stage with her incredible band in five cities, starting in London on 14th November and ending in Leeds on 18th November.
There are still some tickets left via Emilia's website (link below)
www.emiliaquinnmusic.com
