Indie-folk band Cordelia shows their depth, both emotionally and musically, on their debut album.
How it Began—the debut album from Cordelia—explores themes of heartbreak, loss, and the search for self-identity. Cordelia is the brainchild of Moroccan singer-songwriter Mariam Dhabi, whose songs and lyrics are brought to life by her four-piece backing band of guitarist, Jacob Sunshine; bassist, Bob Abruzese; keyboardist, Jack Lewis; and drummer, Grant Smith. Cordelia is rooted firmly within the indie-folk genre, but the band masterfully develops and builds textures that elevate them above just a single style, drawing on elements of country, rock, and Americana.
A trio of songs shows some of the range Cordelia inhabits. Take, for example, the second track, “Just a Crush.” As the title implies, this track is a lighthearted exploration of the tendency to place one’s crush on a pedestal and the problems of doing so. The foundation of the song is laid by acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, but the standouts here are Dhabi’s light vocal and lyrics and Sunshine’s country-style lead guitar licks.
The majority of the record’s tracks take on a more somber tone, such as “In Memoriam.” This song is about Dhabi’s late aunt, though the lyrics are relatable to anyone who has lost somebody they love. The opening lines lay this bare, as Dhabi’s voice soars over ambient keys: “The way she smiles, I would die a thousand times to see her face again / The way she laughs, if only I could sing these words to her.” Dhabi sings the second verse in Arabic, punctuated by light accompaniment that allows her vocal technique to shine through. More than anything, the emotion behind the song is beautifully conveyed, allowing listeners to connect regardless of the language of the lyrics.
For a more upbeat song that progresses from calmness to high-energy, listeners can turn to “Let Me Fly.” A blues enthusiast might recognize the VI-VII-I chords that form the backbone of the song played by fingerpicked acoustic guitar. Dhabi sings about finding her identity in the face of others trying to fit her into a mold. The band gradually picks up the intensity, leading to the payoff about halfway through the song: a raucous guitar solo punctuated by Dhabi’s vocalisms. The song provides an anthemic way to begin to close the album before Dhabi’s final solo, “Smile 2020.”
How it Began will appeal to all who enjoy folk and indie music, but offers plenty for casual listeners as well. Dhabi has an outstanding voice, and her range and clarity are enough to captivate on any song. She pours her heart into her lyrics, and backs those up with well-crafted songs and a solid backing band. The other star of the album is Sunshine’s guitar skills, featuring a variety of guitar styles and techniques, use of interesting effects, and multiple tasty licks and solos (check out his playing on “Creed” for another example). Cordelia takes their audience through a slew of melancholic situations and difficult emotions, but provides comfort and reassurance to anyone searching to improve their mood.