Manchester’s Coruja Jones delves into the healing process with new EP, Undo.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Liam Maxwell
Coruja Jones, real name Dan Jones, is a Manchester-based indie folk artist who has appeared on our blog once before. At the beginning of 2024, I shared his live performance video of his track Songs For Winter, shot at Yellow Arch Studios.
Songs For Winter was a song about grief, so it makes sense that his new record takes on the healing that comes afterwards. Dan explores this process over five tracks that range from heartbreaking intimacy to lush optimism.
The EP is kicked off by Little Space and we at once immersed in a rich and intimate atmosphere that’s brought to emotional life by Dan’s soft vocals and poetic lyrics. It’s a strong start.
The Day I Die follows with a delicate, melancholic moment rich with devastating storytelling detail. A stripped-back first verse gives way to a powerfully ambient chorus, with the contrast making the track an early highlight.
Honesty Honestly is raw and reflective with a touch of brightness to it. Title track Undo is perhaps the record’s lushest moment, giving us a dreamy arrangement that becomes soaring in the chorus. The Shore closes the EP with a tentative, reflective number that brings the collection’s emotional story to a close.
Coruja Jones makes the indie folk genre his own with his thoughtful and emotive approach to it. It’s great to get more intimately acquainted with his work and his world, and we learn plenty about his healing journey through his new EP. Already backed by BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, he’s certainly got all he need to go far on the UK and international scene.
Undo was produced by Sam Vicary of The Cinematic Orchestra and features guitar from Jake Stentiford, and drums by Adam Dawson. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.