After making giant splashes in the scene throughout 2024, UK-based alternative musician RØRY continues to create waves in the new year with the release of her highly anticipated debut album, RESTORATION. Through evocative storytelling and powerful lyricism, the singer/songwriter shares her experiences with overwhelming grief, close encounters with death, battling addiction, and staying sober, making the LP a deeply personal yet truly compelling body of art. And with all that raw emotion backed by stunning vocals and captivating instrumentals, RESTORATION will undoubtedly be a heavy-hitter both on the charts and in the listener’s feelings.
Releasing her debut EP, Good Die Young, in 2022 and her sophomore one, Family Drama, the following year, RØRY has never shied away from baring it all in her music. In fact, she takes pride in it, giving voice to the voiceless by creating beauty from ugly truths and inspiring hope through overcoming it all. With RESTORATION, RØRY aspires to show the world that it's never too late to become the person you're meant to be.
The album's emotional journey begins with an ethereal yet zealous opening track entitled "if pain could talk, what would it say," followed by "In The Bible," previously released as a single. Starting with a soft delicacy that quickly builds in volume and intensity, the brutally honest lyrics of "if pain could talk, what would it say" help set the stage for the passion and emotional rawness deeply ingrained throughout RESTORATION. Touching on the harsh realities of addiction and mental health, "In The Bible" assures listeners everything will be okay eventually with lines such as "Everything you lost will be restored / Everything you lost is still yours."
Next on RESTORATION are "WOLVES," "hold on (ft. Roxanne Emery)" and "BLOSSOM." Shared as a single upon the album's release, "WOLVES" gives voice to the painfully deep pitfall of despair that comes after losing a loved one. And between RØRY's striking vocals and her flawless depiction of grief, listening to the song is borderline therapeutic. Intriguingly, "hold on" lists Roxanne Emery, RØRY's given name, as a featured artist after the title. However, the potential reasoning for this comes into focus when it's revealed that the track is a message to her past self. The first of five songs released as singles before the LP's release, "BLOSSOM" is packed to the brim with high energy, and dripping with determination.
The official music video for "BLOSSOM" by RØRY.
Moving on through the album, the vibe softens and slows with "Sherlock Holmes" and then "One Drink Away." Filled with burning questions and receiving few answers, the melancholic exasperation RØRY feels on "Sherlock Holmes" as she pieces together the puzzle is almost palpable. The most recent song to be released as a single, "One Drink Away" is perhaps the most vulnerable and intimate on the tracklist.
"'One Drink Away' is one of the rawest songs I’ve ever written," the singer shares, opening up about the track. She continues "Sobriety has given me everything ... but no matter how well I’m doing, addiction is always lurking, ready to pull me back under. This song is a reminder that even after six years, I’m still just one choice away from losing it all. It’s for anyone who knows that recovery isn’t a finish line; but a constant, daily battle."
As RESTORATION continues, "MORALITY $UICIDE" plays, then "SORRY I'M LATE" and finally, "The Athiest." Another of the five tracks released as singles, "MORALITY $UICIDE" calls attention to the gross levels of agony and corruption being experienced all over the world. Also released as a single, "SORRY I'M LATE" lightens the mood with spirited instrumentals and uplifting lyrics. Beginning as a gentle, delicate song that crescendos halfway through, "The Athiest" is about acceptance and closure, perfectly befitting the closing track of an album.
With her incredible, long-awaited debut album, RESTORATION, finally released, and a UK Tour planned for March to celebrate, 2025 is already looking to be another spectacular year for RØRY. Stay tuned for whatever she has up her sleeve for the rest of the year, as she's made it crystal clear there's no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
Keep up with RØRY on Instagram, TikTok, & X [Twitter]
