Last year’s ‘Elegy’ for the vinyl is twinned with ‘WELL WELL’, continuing VC’s impressive streak as she turns 25. Canal herself explains, “The phrase ‘WELL WELL’ struck me as a natural follow-up to Elegy. I’ve mourned this person and now I’m dealing with what remains.”
The result is a powerful six-track EP with beautifully crafted songs that seamlessly blend lyrics, production, and top-notch musicianship.
The EP kicks off with two tracks released in June. ‘Shape’ is introspective, soulful, and accompanied by a folky guitar. Canal’s haunting and yearning voice declares, “Don’t be so pretty in front of me,” as she tackles issues of body image and faith, adding her unique twist.
‘She Walks In’ carries a subtle sense of confrontation. With delicate candor, Canal sings, “It’s okay, I feel your rejection. I think about it all the time.” The piano-driven track is complemented by beautiful harmonies, creating a devastating effect.
Expanding her musical universe, Canal collaborates with feature artists. The supremely talented Madison Cunningham lends her voice to ‘Braver’, a warm tribute to the sacrifices Canal’s mother made in her early life. “You’re braver than I’ve ever been, what I’d give to have known you back then,” she sings. Additionally, ‘Yes Man’, the first track written for the EP, features S. Carey. With passionate delivery, Canal sings, “Well well, what do you know? / You took so much space, seems I lost my place.”
Describing ‘Company’ as “a simple, wholesome love song for the gays,” Victoria delivers a beautiful three-minute ride capturing the serenity of happiness. The song starts with temporary lyrics that eventually evolve into fully-fledged words, adding to its charm.
Closing the EP is ‘Black Swan’, an epic track reminiscent of a Bond soundtrack. Canal acknowledges its experimental nature, dubbing it the “resentful older sister” of last year’s ‘swan song’. It brings to mind the old cliché ‘go big or go home’. Considering Victoria Canal’s nomadic nature, the vibe must be stratospheric to compensate.
Victoria has garnered recognition from Ivor Novello, Attitude, and Radio 1, among others. She made her acting debut on Apple+ TV’s ‘Little America’ and recently toured with Hozier. With more shows lined up for the year, she proudly celebrates her queer, disabled, and mixed-heritage identity while uplifting those around her. Whether you encounter Victoria Canal through her music or otherwise, she leaves a positive impression. This shines through on ‘WELL WELL’, from the captivating ‘Shape’ to the climactic ‘Black Swan’.
Victoria Canal possesses an abundance of personal courage. Disregard VC at your own risk.