ALBUM REVIEW: RESTORATION – RØRY
For most bands, starting out at a young age seems to be the path set in stone before eventually finding success a few years down the line. For RØRY, it is a completely different tale. Since 2022, we’ve had two EPs – 2023’s Family Drama and 2022’s Good Die Young – from them, which have helped her music amass over 30 million streams and have built an online presence that is made up of over 1 million followers. Having turned 40 last year, she now looks toward the release of her heavily anticipated debut album which shows everyone that it is never too late to do what you dream of doing. The release of RESTORATION shows that it has been well worth the wait. It’s an album full of rising from the ashes of building a better life when it once seemed impossible that is a tour de force of defiance, maturity, vulnerability and triumph, making it easily one of the best releases of 2025 so far.
From the get go, RESTORATION shows us that RØRY isn’t fucking about. The broody opening track if pain could talk, what would it say? is full of attitude as it combines a hard rock sound with a slight hip-hop influence. Addressing herself on the song, it’s almost as if their inner demons are trying to find their way back out after being locked away. They’re taunting and hurtful but the defiance of RØRY shines through as she bites back at them with a vibe that doesn’t feel too dissimilar to EMINEM‘s Slim Shady era when talking about themselves. The broodiness continues and builds up the atmosphere with In The Bible which laments the nature of the current state of the world, particularly for the younger generation, it’s one of the first of many punches that this album packs on what is an emotional journey for anyone listening. WOLVES follows up with this which is a wonderful showcase for RØRY to flex their excellent vocals that make this record so special. Whilst the bombast remains in this song, it takes a backseat and makes way for an atmospheric feel and ethereal sound that suckers you in whilst giving the album a welcome bit of variety before ramping up at its finale with the cacophony of sound.
hold on is one of the most interesting tracks on the album. Once again bringing in some hip-hop influences, it features Roxanne Emery who is the real identity of RØRY. It’s an excellent way that allows RORY to confront herself about past mistakes in a hopeful way. It looks at their difficult past together and how part of it was destructive but has been able to show RØRY the person they are today, for anyone struggling in a similar way, this song will be an emotional gut punch yet cathartic at the same time as it shows that you’re not alone that there is always light at the end of the tunnel despite how dark everything has got. The theme of confrontation bleeds into the track BLOSSOM which sees RØRY once again confronting herself and those who have wronged her as it sees the return of the heavier tone to the album. The huge musical arrangement compliments her vocals beautifully and keeps you constantly hooked throughout. Sherlock Holmes offers us a bit of respite among the storm of RESTORATION. It’s a beautiful ballad type song that will be a nice lighters (or in reality, mobile phones) in the air moment when performed live.
One Drink Away sees approaching the end of the album and is easily one of, if not the best songs on the album. It’s a stunning acoustic track backed up by another hip-hop beat that sees RØRY embracing her new self and appreciating how far she has come within the last few years and all the challenges such as drugs, alcohol and anonymous sex she’s had to overcome. It’s a hopeful tune but also comes with a warning that whilst the going is good, everything could suddenly turn on its head and go back to the way it was. You truly feel the pain RØRY is singing as she shows us the most vulnerable side of herself in the most beautiful way possible. Amongst the hope of RESTORATION, there is also anger and frustration. MORALITY $UICIDE sums it up perfectly as it shines an awful light on the state of the world from wars, genocide, environmental issues and political unrest throughout the world as there are people that will sacrifice morality and integrity to always get one up one those who always struggle. It’s a stark warning but leaves you knowing you’ll be on the right side of history if it ever comes to an end.
Penultimate track SORRY I’M LATE offers a true dose of catharsis for those listening. It’s a triumphant song that shows that it is never too late to start life despite mistakes you can make along the way. RØRY asking “am I right on fucking time?” will lift you up and give you a warm hug as it leads into an anthemic climax that shows you’re allowed to get through life whilst not following the conventional road everyone else follows. You’ll be left punching the air by the end of the song. The Atheist brings the album to close on a victorious moment that will leave you on a high. It sees RØRY throwing everything she has at the album one final time through song and also spoken word. It details the moment RØRY let the old version of herself go and how the second she did, all the joy she was missing instantly flooded back to her, it’s an incredible end to an incredible album.
Even though we’re only in January, by the end of 2025, it won’t be surprising to see RESTORATION featuring on ‘Best of’ lists. A first listen fills you with emotion, but repeat listens leave you full to the brim with hope and optimism and will easily speak to those stuck in destructive lifestyles and show them that there is a way out. RESTORATION is a love letter about yourself that picks you up and holds your head held high and makes you tell yourself that you are and always will be good enough despite the world being against you. The standard for 2025 has been set with RØRY who has released this album…right on time.
Rating: 9/10
RESTORATION is set for release on January 31st via SADCØRE Records.
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