Ann Marie Nacchio & Shay Moulder channel Disney and Elton John in new joint EP, Almost Okay.

By Graeme Smith

Ann Marie’s music has appeared on this blog on three previous occasions, going back to 2023 when I shared two of her EPs, It’s been a day, a week, a month, a year and And Now It’s Time For A Breakdown. At the beginning of 2024, I was also happy to share her unique cover of Nothing Compares 2 U with Adam Tilzer.

Her new EP, Almost Okay, is also a team up, seeing her join forces with Shay Moulder to give us three emotional and vibrant tracks. Kicking things off is The Letter and I found myself immediately gripped by it. Ann Marie and Shay’s vocals work beautifully together in a harmonious verse and chorus. They are backed by an Elton John-esque piano melody and stirring strings in a classic pop rock composition.

Title track Almost Okay is a slow building ballad that arrives at a cinematic crescendo. Funny How It Goes then rounds off the EP. It grabs your attention with the confessional storytelling in its lyrics and moody instrumental, never letting go until its cathartic rock finish.

There’s a Disney soundtrack quality to Ann Marie and Shay’s new EP which makes it feel like an instant classic. The pair’s vocals are the standout in a collection that’s larger than the sum of its parts.

Almost Okay is out now, available to buy as a digital album on Bandcamp. You can give it a listen below.