Manchester-based indie-folk artist Coruja Jones, the musical project of Dan Jones, has returned with a poignant new EP, 'Undo'. This introspective collection of songs dives into the complexities of healing, both personal and empathetic, and the ongoing struggle to find peace within ourselves and the world around us.
Produced by Sam Vicary of The Cinematic Orchestra, 'Undo' builds on the foundation of Jones' previous work, which explored themes of grief and loss. This time, however, the focus shifts to the process of healing and acceptance. “My first record explored fresh grief and big feelings along with losing someone who was such a huge part of my life," Jones explains. "'Undo' is very much a brother to that first record, in the sense it’s a different stage, where you can achieve some kind of peace, and really heal or even be open to it."
The EP beautifully showcases Jones' growth as a songwriter and musician. His signature dreamy, melancholic sound is enriched by intricate guitar work, courtesy of his writing partner Jake Stentiford, and the subtle textures of modular synthesisers and samples woven in by Vicary. This collaborative approach is evident throughout, particularly in the lead singles ‘Little Space’ and ‘The Day I Die’, which have already garnered praise for their raw emotion and captivating soundscapes.
'Little Space', with its lullaby-like charm, explores the bittersweet longing for a love that never quite materialised. Jones' ethereal vocals, combined with delicate acoustic guitar and expansive arrangements, create a sense of yearning and fragility. 'The Day I Die', on the other hand, is a more expansive and immersive experience. Born out of a collaborative writing retreat in the Welsh hills, the track features intricate acoustic guitar work, layered with delays and effects, and is further enhanced by Vicary’s double bass and Adam Dawson’s percussion.
While these singles offer a glimpse into the EP's emotional depth, tracks like ‘Honestly, Honestly’ and ‘The Shore’ showcase a more stripped-back approach. Here, the focus shifts to Jones' emotive vocals and Stentiford's intricate guitar lines, allowing the raw honesty of the lyrics to shine through.
The title track, 'Undo', acts as a unifying force, bringing together the EP's themes with its playful lyrics and a darker, soaring chorus. Echoing influences such as Bon Iver, King Creosote, and Novo Amor, the song encapsulates the core message of the EP: the desire to heal, to undo pain, and the ultimate realisation that perhaps embracing those difficult emotions is a crucial part of the journey.
With 'Undo', Coruja Jones has crafted a truly captivating and emotionally resonant body of work. It's a testament to the power of music to explore the depths of human experience and offer solace in the face of life's challenges.
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