It feels like a long time coming for the release of Corella’s debut album, ‘Once Upon A Weekend’. The twelve-track album aptly captures the band’s progression on their musical journey. With a UK/Ireland tour well underway and numerous summer festival slots booked, the indie-rock outfit are truly on their way to the top. Having already made a serious impression on the UK’s new music scene, ‘Once Upon A Weekend’ looks to cement their dynamic legacy of late. This album is going to put Corella on the map with a spectacular rise to fame ahead.
The album’s opening track, ‘Don’t Stop Me’, seems like the ideal soundtrack for a coming-of-age film. This energetic track is the perfect opener for a debut album and immediately sets the tone for the rest of the journey. The upbeat energy of ‘Don’t Stop Me’ is driven by fast-paced guitar riffs, which instantly makes the song a pleasure to listen to. The track is about fully accepting everything that life throws at you, no matter what it is, and celebrating how these events have shaped the person you are today. It is about learning to love all aspects of your life, the good and the bad. ‘Let Me Go’ follows in the same vein, and metaphorically places you in a convertible flying down the highway on a summers day.
Corella explores the poignant and timely theme of maturing into adulthood, which is sure to resonate with their fan base. “Drifting” explores the intricacies of adulthood while capturing the spirit of unfettered youth. This song has excellent guitar work, and standout vocals that both come together to create a summer anthem that is sure to go down a treat at many festivals this year. A forceful, explosive indie-rock song that flawlessly captures the band’s live energy, “Head Underwater” shows off a heavier side of the group with its distorted guitars and pounding drum beats that will knock you off your feet.
‘Lady Messiah’, the most recent single to be taken from ‘Once Upon A Weekend’, is a cheerful and lively track supported by a Stone Roses-esque riff and vocal harmonies that will have you in awe. The song is a true anthem that captures the spirit of a carefree singalong, and the band makes sure you pay close attention to it. As Corella masterfully integrates summery guitars riffs, powerful rhythms, and enticing lyrics into one addicting bundle, it’ll be sure to have you dancing around your bedroom.
Taking the album down a notch, ‘Hometown’ is a beautiful anthem that reflects on the town they grew up in and battles themes of ‘homesickness’ and ‘nostalgia’. Lyrically, ‘Hometown’ strikes a deeply personal chord, exploring the conflicting emotions that arise when one reflects on their roots. Lines like “So tell me why did I leave here, when you taught me everything I know” cut straight to the heart, encapsulating the complex relationship we often have with the places that shaped us.
With ‘Say You Wanna’, the band effortlessly showcases their ability to seamlessly blend genres, effortlessly weaving together funky guitar riffs and infectious grooves. The track exudes a vibe reminiscent of The 1975’s self-titled album, tapping into that same vein of infectious energy and sonic innovation.
Album closer ‘Rock The Boat’ gives fans a new outlook and ends the album on a considerably more melancholic note than it did in the beginning. With its weeping guitar chords and exquisite harmonies, this eerie acoustic track displays Corella’s extraordinary breadth of musical styles. It is a strong, poignant, and thought-provoking song that perfectly caps off an amazing debut album.
‘Once Upon a Weekend’ emerges as a stellar debut album that not only meets but exceeds expectations and proves to be well worth every moment of anticipation. Wearing their hearts on their sleeves, pouring their passion and creativity into every note, Corella explore many important themes throughout the album, demonstrating genuine emotion that shines through in every track. This body of work is a shining example of the magic that happens when raw talent meets boundless creativity.
Words by Keira Knox