Review LAURA COX ‘Head Above Water’

“Part French. Part English. 100% Rock’n’Roll”, that’s what it says on the album cover of Laura Cox’s latest album. The guitarist is one of the rising stars in the world of guitar-based rock music, and has her latest album, ‘Head Above Water’, in the starting blocks as we speak.

Cox is the child of English/French parents, which explains the sticker on the longplayer. In addition, the French musician has a passion for rock’n’roll, which she has been proving time and again for several years.

In this case, the digital world is less a curse than a blessing, since cover versions on YouTube were what made Cox popular. It was in 2010, when she met Mathieu Albiac and the two began composing together, which also started a new chapter for Cox. ‘Hard Blues Shot’ was a debut album released in 2017, followed by the 2019 release ‘Burning Bright’. Now it’s ‘Head Above Water’ which should continue the Frenchwoman’s upward journey, and the odds are in her favor.

During the crisis-laden Corona period, Cox managed to keep her head above water and what you get to hear on the third album is superbly crafted rock with blues elements and references to classic rock.

Photo: LeTurk

The album starts with the title track, which immediately spreads a feel-good atmosphere. Rocking and relaxed at the same time, this is how the title track unfolds its shine. The bluesy ‘So Long’ follows and it is the organic sound of the record which makes it so easy to get into the eleven songs.

‘One Big Mess’ is one of the best songs on the album, as it is an energetic rocker that is immediately enjoyable. At the same time, Cox manages to give her tracks an emotional depth. The soulful ‘Old Soul’ is an example of the album’s diversity and the same goes for the swinging ‘Before We Get Burned’, which earns points with its banjo sounds.

‘Seaside’ shows the gritty side of ‘Head Above Water’ before ‘Fever’ and especially ‘Swing it Out’ kick it up a notch.

‘Head Above Water’ is a very accomplished record by an artist from whom we will certainly hear a lot more. Musical ambition and the sense for excellent songs are blended on this album. Together with the dedication to music, this recording has everything to please the listener.