by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
There seems to be a lot of artists combining the intimacy and earnest nature of folk together with the freedom of art rock these days, and as listeners, we’re all the better for it. Giving an added emphasis to their words, Corey Gulkin has embraced this model, writing songs laid bare with emotion but nuanced and structurally wandering. Having previously released albums under the name Corinna Rose, Gulkin, a songwriter based out of Montréal, is leaving the guise behind, opting to release their music under their given name, shedding old habits to begin with a new mindset. Half Moon, their latest album, is due out October 6th via Anything Bagel Records (Puppy Problems, Generifus, Joyer), an intricate and personal record that puts a focus on reality amid a landscape that often feels surreal.
Having shared early singles “Half Moon” and “Raya,” Gulkin returns with another lively preview in the form of “Therapist,” an up-beat song that brightly suggests therapy to an abusive ex because “you can’t escape yourself.” Despite the heavy subject matter, the words are delivered with a positive bent, a sense of sweetness and seemingly the desire to help. While Gulkin could just as easily walk away from the situation forever, they instead suggest help, because sometimes an outside perspective can be a major asset in finding understanding and resolution of bad behavior. The song’s verses are sprightly and well-wound, twisting between fuzzy indie pop and a subdued tangle, the melodic hooks popping up with punctuated harmonies. Gulkin shifts tempos, moving between skipping joy and momentary reflection, the song’s warm glow glistening all the while.