EP Review: Later For The Real Show

Later For The Real Show is the latest EP release for Helen Corry, and is a long-awaited release; after the first single Strike was made available 10 months ago, and the follow-up single La Femme having a “controversial” music video that resulted on Corry’s Facebook page being temporarily removed. While expected that the fans would have heard these tracks before at live shows, it’s an interesting move to release a five-track EP where three of the songs have already been released individually as singles.

With a combined track length of just over 17 minutes, Later For The Real Show is a short, concise EP that has a light and bubbly vibe; like a bungy jump, or jetboating experience, the release is here to provide a good time, not a long time. The EP starts with that long-established debut single Strike, in an attempt to set the tone for the remainder of the tracks. Light and bubbly, the track has some nice percussive elements initially using finger snaps as an alternative to electronic drums. With some beautiful, clean vocals, and a good build up towards the chorus, the song fills you with energy and makes you want to move.

Unfortunately, the strength of the opening track isn’t enough to carry the EP. La Femme has a much quieter vibe, with nice percussive melodic tones, and dreamy synths. The chorus carries a very similar style to Strike but comes across rather empty and separate from the rest of the track. Good clarity in the vocals. The longest track in the EP, Waiting has a slower pace and provides nice variations in vocal styles. A slow-building track, the instrumentals have interesting elements (like the inclusion of what sounds like pan flutes), but is ultimately anti-climactic, lacking the energy needed to drive the track forward.

Almost a lounge/electronic hybrid, End Of The Night, is a true display of Helen Corry’s clean vocal style, with brilliant clarity and tonal control. A very basic, stripped back structure, the majority of the song consists of a well-balanced vocal & piano combo. The EP ends on another pre-released track, The Power. Smooth in sound and melody, with good vitality in the chorus.  

Overall, Later For The Real Show has a great tone, and a light vibe that doesn’t rely on heavy bass to drive the energy of the track. Strike is by far the strongest track on the EP, and it does leave the rest of the tracks largely in the dark by comparison. Some transitions between the vocal verses and instrumental choruses have room for improvement, but there is a solid foundation behind each track, and a gorgeous, youthful voice.

Review written by Alex Moulton