EP REVIEW :: Rachel Mallin (of The Wild Type) - "Cooler Heads (2018-19) Demos"
Rachel Mallin (of The Wild Type) - “Cooler Heads (2018-19) Demos”
Self-released by Rachel Mallin (digitally) November 3rd, 2019.
“Rachel Mallin’s palpable EP, “Cooler Heads (2018-19) Demos”, is raw, complex, and unfiltered, and so much more. Breathing synth gently begins the first track,“barefeet.” Driving, you look back and find boxes packed with the days worn along with someone else. Echoing heartbeats, the tempo changes, like how you want to change yourself. With sounds of glass from your recycling rattling in your backseat, you are reminded of all the things you used to be. Now you’re on your way to somewhere new.
Starting gently with guitar, “F ME UP” gradually builds, letting you know you’re ready to go to that new place. You heard they are with someone else now. She inspires you to challenge tomorrow and say “F-ck me up, Future. I’m ready for it.” Having been through the heartbreak of lost, unreturned love she gives you sage advice: “Save yourself.” The track ends with ecclesiastic synth chiming in the knowledge you now hold.
“A party” is introduced with faint tender-hearted strumming. At the party, you feel out of place. You decide to leave, saying “Thank you and I’m sorry.” You get back in your car and start to drive home. Accidentally, you find yourself driving to the house you had to leave. Considering stopping by, you see them with someone new. Someone who has now made your old house their home. Guitar string vibrations resonate the weight of reality. You realize you are “no longer welcome.” Again, you leave saying “Thank you and I’m sorry,” unsure of where you are headed to now.
With a swaying melody, “almost 26” laments the loss of a potential forever with someone you loved. Bundled with sincerity, Mallin’s lyrics explain the comfort of being alone, but still holding on to parts of the past. You shouldn’t still look for them in crowds, you shouldn’t keep wearing their shirt--you shouldn’t still love them, but you do. However, you will never be able to relive the little moments once shared in the home you made together. Ernest instrumentation paired with upfront lyrics tell you can’t make new memories; they are locked in the past and you no longer have a key to get inside. Instead, you both act “cold and stoic,” as if strangers, both unable to make your way back to the warm kitchen.
This EP will take you on a drive. Pack your bags.”
Review by ::
Skylar Rochelle
Manor Blog Editor
Manor Records gives 100% of article author rights to Skylar Rochelle.
