There is a seamless transition between the last and most recent of Hollie Rogers’ albums. The eclectic nature of both ensures that ‘Everything’s Fine’ builds on the strong foundations laid with ‘Criminal Heart’. Once again, she travels along a spectrum of genres on her latest record, using the music to compliment her storytelling which remains her greatest strength.
The title track is by far the standout piece here. Capturing a quintessentially British sensibility to unpack and unpick its oxymoronic meaning. From its first lines – “put my face on / paint my smile” – it draws on the “keep calm / carry on… style” of the stiff upper lip. The chorus is clever insomuch as it voices the internal monologue of emotional honesty before ending humorously with “but everything’s fine”. What adds to the comedic value of these final words is the change of pace and sudden softness of the music. The recognisable vocals of Elles Bailey soothing a heart clearly close to breaking point but unwilling to share its struggles. It really is deft at naming a pervading feature of our society.
Elsewhere, the album deals mainly with the theme of love and relationships. For example, ‘Spaceman’ is a metaphor for an absent lover. And with an orchestral arrangement performed by The Budapest Symphony Orchestra, it takes on an expansive quality. The soaring violins painting a picture of a vast universe which, in turn, creates a feeling of distance and longing. Meanwhile, ‘Sunday Rain’, with its easy listening jazz, conveys a confidence in the long-term possibilities of what could be “a powerhouse couple”. And ‘Unholy Trinity’ is suitably sultry in its desire to make the best of what has become a love triangle.
There is also the inclusion of religio-spiritual elements as ‘Good God’ prays for an escape (“give me a break”) and quick fix (“flick of your wrist”) from the everyday – its mundanity and misery. In addition, the closing track, ‘All for You’, is worship-like in its sacrificial intentions. The mutuality expressed between the two people at its centre leading to “every song, every little tune / every line, every single word / every mood, every time I cry… [being] all for you”. The musical theatricality showcasing one final aspect of Hollie Rogers and her wonderfully multifarious style.
You can listen to Hollie’s new album on most streaming platforms or download it from her Bandcamp here.
Featured Image (C) Hollie Rogers
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