Anyone that caught Emilia Quinn's " "Wanderlust and Breaking Rules" tour last year or either of her last two appearances at Buckle & Boots, will know what an exciting talent she is. Able to rock out with a searing vocal or deliver quiet tender or brutally honest songs, nothing seems to phase her. She is also one of the few artists who is ready to reappraise, and reimagine their back catalogue if a new arrangement comes to mind or maybe if that feeling that the original may not quite have been the definitive version takes over.
"Headrush" is a case in point , originally released on the "Medicate" EP, it now finds itself given a blues makeover and turned into a seven minute epic.
This single naturally comes with a cover shot, that would make another fine page in the" Emilia Quinn Coffee Table Book of Cover Shots", with her features lost in a swirling mop of hair as she rocks out on her guitar.
Essentially the song comes in two parts and while Emilia is undoubtedly the driving force vocally, it is the magnificent guitar work from John W Doyle who also produced the track, that is an overarching presence. The first two thirds of the song he gives a mellow Knopfler esque backing which Emilia, in fine voice delivers beautifully over, capturing perfectly that live frisson that she generates when playing.
The second verse sees Emilia at her absolute peak, perfectly portraying that mixture of frustration, confusion and finally tender devotion
"It’s so hard when
You’re so stubborn
And I know I ain't done wrong
I leave it be and
Let it rest
And I’ll kiss you again at dawn"
while the third verse sees the most delicate pronouncement of affection - the words slowly softly, almost spoken
"I will love you forever
Let me love you forever"
With just two minutes of the song to go there is something of a musical transition, John's guitar becomes ever more prominent and louder and the percussion moves from being passive to pounding, matched by Emilia moving to rock out vocal mode with an effortless ease, before things come to a shimmering close.
It is bold beautiful and breathtaking all in one little seven minute adventure.
Next stop for Emilia is the O2 for C2C - there's always one or two acts that make the festival their own and while a lot of money may be on the aspiring American stars - don't be surprised if this UK powerhouse does not upset the apple cart and steal the show.