Philly four-piece Corey Flood’s debut EP Wish You Hadn’t (Fire Talk) is the perfect mix of sincerity and cynicism. Whether scathing, gloomy, or endearing, each song emotively pays homage to their 1980s namesake.
Opening with the ominously titled “Crypt,” Corey Flood’s record unfolds with heavy bass and hushed but brooding vocals. The lyricism, though sparse, enhances the beach-y melody, which ends abruptly, leaving listeners with a nearly tangible sense of urgency. From the very beginning, Wish You Hadn’t christens Corey Flood as the deserving successors of All Saints Day, Frankie Rose, and Veronica Falls. Melancholy without being maudlin, “Crypt” reflects on the ephemeral – whether it be literal or metaphorical – in an emotionally memorable way.
The EP’s second offering, “Soft,” is romantic and deliberately tempered. By pairing the repetition of “You’re just so soft to touch” with sanguine riffs and reverb, the recording is a lush declaration of desire. Reminiscent of Colleen Green’s early B-sides and the moody ease of Best Coast’s Make You Mine, “Soft” is a relatable glimpse at yearning and human closeness.
Similarly, “Feel Okay” explores the weight and impact of intimacy on the psyche’s perception and the limitations of language. Through steady chords and lines infused with fervent transparency, “Feel Okay” isn’t just a confessional. It’s a testament to erosion of a relationship and all that’s left in its wake. By the song’s end, it becomes clear that Wish You Hadn’t is most likely rooted in the lived experiences of Corey Flood’s members, which makes the authenticity of “Feel Okay” all the more meaningful.
The final track on the EP, “Causeway,” is an alluringly direct ballad awash in pensive ruminations and despondent brilliance. A moving reflection on truth and the necessity of being heard, the song is a satisfyingly unnerving anthem for jilted lovers and introverts alike. Whether devoured digitally or via cassette, Wish You Hadn’t is a refreshingly candid although brief meditation on what it means to be real about your flaws and feelings. – Dianca London