Siobhan Cotchin takes a bold leap into raw rock territory with her new EP “Miss Reckless,” showcasing a fresh attitude, updated sound, and an unguarded exploration of her vulnerability.
Siobhan Cotchin has firmly crystallised herself as a fiercely independent country darling; though now she’s pivoting. With the release of her new EP today, Miss Reckless, Siobhan is taking what we know and love and compounding it; delivering a new attitude, an updated sound, and an undoubtedly cohesive, career defining project.
Currently, Siobhan is in the midst of a headline tour, as well as acting as support for Kingswood on their national leg. Though previously proving herself as an intimate country songwriter, – albeit one that shreds on every solo – Siobhan is channelling a fresh slew of influences, specifically the grunge and indie-rock movement of the 90s.
Miss Reckless is unquestionably a Siobhan Cotchin record; but there’s a rawness to be uncovered, and an anger to reckon with. There are many sides to Siobhan Cotchin, her voice as malleable as her emotion.
When The Curtains Close is a Phoebe Bridgers-esque invitation into a quiet and restrained soundscape, the vocal delivery lulling listeners into a state of somewhat pained reflection.
It’s a calm exploration of heartache, meandering yet with a clear purpose. I wanna believe you / but I don’t, a delectably calm version of Siobhan’s tone repeatedly delivers the lines, almost until they lose their meaning. Vaguely, When The Curtains Close retains some of that country charm – if only in the same way that Motion Sickness is a blend of country and indie-pop.
Most importantly, When The Curtains Close is a completely unguarded foray into the depths of Siobhan’s vulnerability.
How Does It Feel? is something magical; an amalgamation of everything that makes Siobhan special. Full of fire and hurt, but of course rising from the ashes, How Does It Feel? is a flawlessly structured rock song.
There is no hesitation in Siobhan’s voice – no uncertainty of what should come next. An imitable quality exists in Siobhan’s tone, somewhere between partially spoken lyrics and explorative melodies.
This same energy permeates If God Is A Man. Traditionally, the country music industry doesn’t look too fondly upon those casting a ray of doubt over their collective religion; but Siobhan feels more like Courtney Love than Miranda Lambert on this track, as her voice growls and breaks all over a shatteringly good bridge.
If I were to categorise Miss Reckless as anything, it would be brazen. The title track is an ode to the woman Siobhan wants to be – and quite frankly, already is.
Miss Reckless is emboldening, particularly during moments such as, you’re only here because it’s what I want. Confidence is too weak a word. And that is something that carries through to the seductive Cross The Line.
Tension that bubbles underneath the creeping pre-chorus guitars as Siobhan insists, don’t treat me like a friend. It’s hard to unearth the country roots, if they’re there at all. Cross The Line is dirty distortion and languid drums; maybe the most authentically rock song throughout the entirety of Miss Reckless.
Stream Miss Reckless below, or catch Siobhan at one of her headline dates.
Reviewed by Caitlin Norris
