The Moshville Times - Album Review: RØRY

We usually put our album reviews up a week or so in advance of release, but I just can’t sit on this one as it’s just so bloody good. Out on January 31st, if you’re looking for a late (very) Christmas gift then pre-order this for someone. Or yourself. Or both.

review of her live show back in March and I’ll say that it intrigued me, describing the gig as a “group therapy session” (in a very good way). After listening to Restoration many, many times I can understand why. Ms Emery (now RØRY) has poured her heart and soul into every track on this album. You don’t need to read her interviews or listen to her stage spiel to know that every song she sings is self-referential, and Restoration is half an hour of unbridled victory against poor mental health, addiction, and life being an absolute shit.

It’s not just a collection of great songs, it’s well put together. Opening track “If Pain Could Talk, What Would It Say” acts as an introduction, literally setting us up for a “story” as RØRY talks to herself. “The Atheist” which rounds things off has a short spoken word section from the artist herself explaining how things turned around. Following, as it does, ten tracks of anger, angst, heartbreak and struggle… it’s a message of hope. If she can get through this then so can you.

Each song tells a story, an element of RØRY’s life, a struggle, an incident (or collection of them). There are messages, there are questions, there are rants. “Sorry I’m Late” is obviously a cathartic rant at people who don’t realise that other people have problems in their lives. “One Drink Away” is a heartfelt message that the problems of an addict may never truly go away, they’re simply managed day to day.

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The style and variety are there as well. In “Wolves”, RØRY channels her inner Dolores O’Riordan with those little lifts at the end of the lyrics. As Ross would say, it’s a “belter”. Similarly punchy is “Morality $uicide” (arguably the least self-referential song, more a social commentary), whereas we have “Hold On” featuring a more hip hop feel and rapped vocals.

RØRY knows she isn’t alone. I think the message she wants to get out to everyone is that they aren’t either. Her troubles aren’t unique to her, just as yours aren’t unique to you. Someone out there understands. You are not alone.

Restoration is catchy and angry, humorous in places and full of great lyrics. But more than that, it’s the outpourings from someone who has turned things around. Artwork means more when there’s something of the artist in there, and all of this is RØRY. It is simply incredible, and one of the best releases (if not the best) I’ve heard in 2024.

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Header photo by Jack Barker Photography

Restoration is out on January 31st 2025

Check out all the bands we review in 2024 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!