Cory Marks – Nashville Mornings EP
Cory Marks released his debut album ‘Who I Am’ in 2020 and received attention from the likes of Billboard, Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert (both of whom asked Marks to tour with them) and accrued no less than 33 million streams worldwide with single ‘Outlaws and Outsiders. He has now released his ‘Nashville Mornings’ EP.
Opener ‘Blame It On The Double’ features Tyler Connolly of Theory Of A Deadman and begins with a crisp acoustic guitar as Marks sings “I tried to bow my head, put down the bottle like my Grandma said my Daddy did. I love her like a Waylon song but old number seven was way too strong” as he details his struggle with quitting alcohol. Vocally, I’m reminded of Dan Tyminski at times but the blend of heavy rock and country will appeal to fans of Black Stone Cherry with its relatable message and punchy delivery.
The unreleased solo version of ‘Out In The Rain’ has this lush pedal steel sound that complements the string arrangement with Marks telling an individual that “I’ll stay here forever here in the storm. Out in the rain, until your heart changes” and the sentiment is similar to that in the hit single ‘Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ by The Script. An emotive inclusion that showcases Cory Marks’ multiple talents.
It is interesting that he then follows it up with ‘Better Off’ which is drenched in ‘acceptance’ that a relationship is probably not going to work. The track was co-written by Kevin Churko who also produced, mixed and engineered the EP. If you like Chris Young and the track ‘I’m Coming Over’ then you might dig this tune.
‘My Whiskey Your Wine’ is a vocal highlight with Cory’s heartfelt delivery and the live version of ‘Who I Am’ is a country-rock stomp with a solid beat courtesy of a tight rhythm section.
Closing track ‘If Only I Could Fly’ is a live acoustic take on the Merle Haggard song and is a hauntingly beautiful rendition that suits Marks’ vocal range.
In conclusion, Cory Marks is an individual who has not only stayed true to the roots of his hometown North Bay, Ontario but has also allowed his own skills as a writer, vocalist and musician to truly shine on ‘Nashville Mornings’. If you enjoy Southern Rock music built around material based on the human condition then Cory Marks is your go-to guy.
Cory Marks’ new ‘Nashville Mornings’ EP is out now on Better Noise Music. For more information visit www.corymarks.com
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