Ora Cogan, genre-shredding chanteuse and multi-instrumentalist, released Bury Me, a 7” EP, last week. The Canadian is on a major European tour to promote the vinyl released by Prism Tongue.
Many terms have been used to describe her always-captivating music since her first release in 2008: smoky psychedelia, gothic country, post-punk, psych-rock, traditional balladry, cinematic. But her singular artistic vision always stands out. She has collaborated with brilliant artists such as Lankum members and toured with Mazzy Star.
Spent many nights listening to this captivating music.
Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star)
First release since 2023
The new EP is Cogan’s first release since her eighth LP Formless in 2023. Ora said: “I’ve been working on a new record and it became obvious at some point that some of the music was taking a different direction than the album, so we took these songs and made a new home for them on vinyl.”
“Bury Me is an ode to the spirit world. Fantasy is my way to transform pain into something beautiful and find understanding.”
Bury Me EP track by track
‘Bury Me’ launches like dirt off a shovel. Straight into its stride; bass and drums locked into a motorik groove; guitars gently chiming. Then much louder. Immense. From the outset Cogan implores ‘bury me’. Sounds like she means it.
‘Lucile’ is otherworldly and alien. The opening is reminiscent of the incidental music to a romantic sci-fi flick scored by Mogwai. Maybe she’s referring to the spirit world in some far-flung planet.
‘The North’ features another bravura drumming display. This track is a slow burner. Cogan asks at the start: ‘Why don’t you call my name?/I want to hear your voice.” Not exactly menacing but not pleading either. The coda features sweet violins, which suggests a satisfactory outcome. Maybe all is well in the north?
The violin-led instrumental ‘Hunting The Moon’ is simply beautiful. A gorgeous close to a stunning song selection.
This is the remarkable calibre of tracks that didn’t fit into the album in progress. I, for one, simply cannot wait for the new LP.
UK and Ireland tour dates
22 April
Moth Club @ 7:30 PM
London, United Kingdom
Sold out and sadly I haven’t got tickets. Anyone know of any spares, I’ll happily purchase!
23 April
Sidney & Matilda @ 8:00 PM
Sheffield, United Kingdom
24 April
Stereo @ 7:00 PM
Glasgow, United Kingdom
25 April
Belfast Empire Music Hall @ 7:30 PM
Belfast, United Kingdom
26 April
Whelan’s @ 8:00 PM
Dublin, Ireland
27 April
Nudes Craft & Cocktail @ 8:00 PM
Cork, Ireland
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Andy McCulloch
I am a music writer, blogger, and promoter. I originally established Even Butterflies Make A Sound to re-publish music reviews I published last century. However, the blog has taken on a life of its own and is the better for that. Please enjoy not so responsibly.
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