Draw Me Stories – Cocoon Machina
Review by Jenn Stookey
When I say, “you have never heard an album like this before,” trust me, you have really never heard an album like this before. Draw Me Stories, from across the pond in Cardiff, has somehow hit the nail on the head with their debut album, Cocoon Machina (out February 4th). Each song begins with a tribal-like feel that sooths into lyrics that will rattle your brain and make you think. I can only imagine what the writing process this band must go through to achieve songs of this caliber.
The album begins with the track “Birdsong.” Normally I enjoy albums the best when the opening song reels me in with a powerhouse number, so at first I thought this was an interesting choice. However, after listening to the full album, I realized this track was placed perfectly in the track listing because it’s a portal into what the rest of the album will sound like. The tribal feel of the instrumentals and lyrics that contain references to nature and human life mix well.
My favorite song on the album, which begins softer and lighter compared to the rest of the collection, is “Human Machine.” The song almost set my mind into a trance. It’s very easy on the ears and is the perfect break right in the middle of the album, from the collective chaos of the percussion. It reminds me of a time it was raining this past summer and I stood out in the rain just to feel the drops fall over me. If my life had a soundtrack, I feel like this song would have been playing in the background of that very moment.
As I stated before, I have never heard an album quite like this one, and I am also shocked as to how a band could produce such a collective and different sounding album for their debut. Teachers in school will tell you to read more books and poetry to increase your intellect, well I believe if there was an album that could do that, this would be the one. Although the album does have strong and prominent theme, some of the songs sounded the same, which I am going to say is my only criticism. However, give a round of applause to Draw Me Stories because they have something going for them.
Change-up your music style a bit, and let this album guide you into a new world. Check out the album when it releases on February 4th.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommended Tracks: “Birdsong” and “Human Machine”
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