Famed for jangly guitars, soothing melodies and utterly infectious percussive tracks, and insatiable collaborations (think Chloe Moriondo and Tessa Violet), it’s absolutely no surprise that Cook is one of the most talked about up-and-coming artists. With three studio albums already to his name, Cook is gearing up to, yet again, completely dominate the indie music scene with his latest project – the insightful, personal, and wholly groovy EP NOVELLA.
Opener “Eye To Eye” introduces the EP with lent vocals – soothing and melodic – that swiftly dive into electro-infused beats before Cook makes his first appearance, donning his classic vocal intonations complete with rap-teetering stylings and an infectious groove.
“PUNCHIN’” explores the relationship he has with his girlfriend’s dad and the negative connotations associated with being an “independent musician” (“your daddy doesn’t like me or my guitar”). Cook, however, turns these feelings of unease into a charming bop that boasts infectious R&B-infused vocals that sit as the male parallel of that of Claire Rosinkranz. Sliding alongside carrying a similar narrative, “FEARLESS IS THE FLAME” explores the ins-and-outs of forbidden love, seeing Cook wobbling on a tightrope balancing the tension between two opposing sides. Quoted as stemming from his delayed, posthumous obsession with Prince, the track sneaks in with sleek vocals and funky backtrack as he dotes, “All alone again with nothin' but the thought of you…”
Taking a step back, lead single “MF BASSLINE” offers a more laid-back approach that, paired with thrilling snares, makes for a succinctly soothing, tongue-in-cheek new direction for Cook. Despite still maintaining the up-beat nature we’re so used to, the narrative is anything but (“I’ve been lower than a mother fucking bassline”). Acting as his most hip-hop bluesy cut to date, “MF BASSLINE” concludes that you need to be kind to yourself – because no one else is obliged to be.
Taking a trip to the continent, Cook takes a stab at French lyrics before reassessing the approach and commenting “I don’t speak French.” Maintaining the NOVELLA's groove of catchy beats and overt electro-stylings, Cook notes “don’t you worry ‘bout the future / we should be hangin’ out the window / my heart is pumpin’” as he lets go of the worry that’s encapsulated the rest of the record, bidding au revoir to the anxiety and melancholy, and finally letting loose.
Despite being only six tracks long, what it lacks in length, NOVELLA makes up for in overt pop-stylings and a shimmering indie sound.
