SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: EMILY MAC – ROCK N ROLL ANIMAL

EMILY MAC
ROCK N ROLL ANIMAL
INDEPENDENT 

For the last four years, Emily Mac has released a string of singles that kicked off with “Whiskey Like Me.” Now the Toronto-based singer and songwriter has collected these songs, with the inclusion of one last new single, to make up her debut EP, Rock N Roll Animal.

Mac opens her EP with the lead single “Whiskey Like Me,” a riff heavy song accented by her bluesy, sultry vocals that immediately evoke a wave of nostalgia for the golden age of classic rock. “Whiskey Like Me” is an assertive track, a proclamation of self that is equally catchy as it is badass. This feeling is prolonged on the following song, “Kills Me To Love You,” a heavier song driven by pounding drums and a far darker tone. Again, Mac feels as though she is battling with the chorus guitar riff, a competition that pulls the best out of both parties as the song reaches a climax through a shredding solo.

Despite a strong opening, the latter half of Rock N Roll Animal steals the show. From the downtempo, haunting shuffle of “Going Down Singing”, a song where Mac flexes the full range of her voice for an emotive performance – to the hard-hitting blues balladry of “Buried Alive,” Mac demonstrates an authentic sense of songwriting rooted in classic rock. The latter of these two is especially stunning as she navigates spacious verses with a crunchy guitar before the song erupts into a lush, winding chorus. The album comes to a close with the final single and lone new song, “Animal.” While in a similar vein to the opening tracks, there is a level of attention given to the production, as heard in the building arrangement, the use of lead lines and backing vocals, that elevates the song as Mac delivers one of her most powerful performances.

Rock N Roll Animal feels like a long time coming as Mac demonstrates a collective vision and vibe as she showcases a wider range of style and influences to her artistry. As such, Rock N Roll Animal is a strong debut statement that should leave listeners excited to see more of Mac.

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