Wildflower EP – Lorraine Nash – O.M.G. Sneak Peek!

Kerry native and singer/songwriter, Lorraine Nash is about to release her Wildflower EP and we are only delighted to review it for you, our lovely readers. Including her first two singles, Wildflower and Changing Tides, the Wildflower EP is a clear indicator of Lorraine’s huge potential and a sure sign of great things to come. Lorraine is a gifted musician, capable of playing a variety of musical instruments, and has a huge understanding and love of music as she became interested in music at the age of 7. Lorraine has utilized a multitude of her musical skills fantastically in the creation of this upcoming EP.

Lorraine can only be described as a breath of Americana/Folk freshness in the Irish music scene, being compared to the likes of Sandi Thom among others, with a diverse musical range. Lorraine’s music is loaded with a variety of music traditions but ensures that her own unique voice and her love and passion for music is apparent throughout her EP with her own unique style shining through on each song. It’s clear that this EP came about over time and that Lorraine has taken her time to put forward the very best of what she has created. 

The 5 track EP is laid back and seems to revolve around the acceptance of and the inevitability of change. The Wildflower EP is scheduled for release on Friday 5th and will be available on all usual streaming platforms. However, you can find Lorraine’s Spotify with her two current singles here and enjoy the music video to her single ‘Wildflower’ here.

Wildflower EP

E: This is not a genre that I find myself listening to very often but I find that the Wildflower EP reminds me quite a bit of the simplicity of home while still looking at the changing nature of life. Though it’s defined as Americana/Folk, I find that Lorraine blends in hints of a variety of genres into her music to create the sound that she wants for each song. She is a welcome addition to Irish music and something new and unique for listeners to enjoy. Lorraine’s music reminds me in part of Amy Macdonald as both women have such a unique approach to their music and cross genres to create their music while Lorraine maintains the folksy soul of the songs she’s written. However, her lyrics are distinct and very clearly written from Lorraine’s experiences in life and make her music easy to relate to; we’ve all been there but Lorraine put it to music.

The first song, Breathe, strikes me as an anthem about trying to keep your head above water even as the world seems to conspire against you. I feel that it’s ultimately a feel good song that encourages the listener to keep afloat and do their best, particularly in the first line “All that I have done was all that I can do” and continues along the thought that one step will set things in motion.

Everything To Me is probably my favourite from the EP. It reminds me of the saying “The smallest stone makes a ripple in the water.” This song serves as a reminder that even the smallest thing can make a difference even if things seem futile. The simplicity of this song allows the listener to really take in the message of the song.

River seems to be a song about following the path to bigger, better things but not letting the amazing things along the way sweep you away from the goal coming down the line. Personally, I would love this song done with one guitar and one microphone to really enjoy and appreciate Lorraine’s stunning vocals on this track.

Perhaps the most easygoing track on the EP, in my opinion, Wildflower is a song that highlights those inescapable feelings that suddenly take hold and sweep you away. This song is where the comparison to Sandi Thom becomes more apparent when you hear the vocals. 

Very much a song about facing into change rather than fearing it, Changing Tides, oddly suits the ‘new normal’ that many have found themselves adapting to. This song is one of hope even though change is always present.

Overall, I enjoyed the EP. It’s easy going, feel good and enjoyable with catchy lyrics and choruses. Considering this is Lorraine Nash’s first collection of work, I’m really looking forward to seeing what she creates next. She is a very gifted writer and musician and her work is soulful and relatable and will have you singing along in no time.    

N: Time for my thoughts! By now I think everyone knows I have a varied taste of music! I adore American Country and Folk music. Sure, Ireland has some gems within this genre of music but, overall, I think we are lacking some unique voices within the genre. In my opinion, Lorraine Nash is well on her way to filling this gap and giving us Irish Country, Folk and Americana lovers someone new to support! Lorraine has an easy to listen to voice with an interesting tone that is intoxicating and her music will draw you in from the first strum of her guitar. 

Wildflower intertwines her Irish flair on the Americana/Folk genre, her storytelling and experiences and instrumental prowess (she plays five different instruments!). Throughout the Wildflower EP, you are going to hear influences from a number of different genres of music but the most important thing to listen out for is how Lorraine brings all of these together effortlessly to create songs that are truly spellbindingly spectacular. Honestly, I am surprised I hadn’t come across her music before now. I didn’t know I was missing her on my playlists until now! 

The thing I enjoyed most about every song on Wildflower is Lorraine’s is extremely visual with her lyrics. My favourite examples of this are:   

‘I’ve been trying to put out a fire with one drop of rain. That is not enough to make a change’ – Everything To Me 

‘Run river run. Run wild and free’ – River

‘I throw stones in the ocean and set the water in motion’ – Breathe

Starting the EP off is ‘Breathe’ and in my opinion this song is the bop of the EP. Why? Because it is the song that I dance around the room most to. A solid start with a catchy chorus and strong visual verses. The harmonies in this one are stunning and cleverly placed. A song that inspires me to reach for my goals and to stay going on the path I want to be on. ‘Breathe’ is going to inspire those to do the same, continue on and don’t give up! 

‘Everything To Me’ is by far my favourite on the EP. It could be because it summed up my feelings on something I am going through at the moment with a friend. As soon as this song drops on Spotify on Friday, I will be sending it to him. A problem shared is a problem halved and without a little help from those around us we can get through anything. This one is adorable in terms of use of instruments and humming. The lyrics are very prevalent, listen carefully. 

‘River’ is next and this is the one I want to hear live! I can already see it having elements of a round aspect between Lorraine and her audience. This song makes me feel happy and made me think of where I live. The visual story of this song though wins hands down for me.

‘Wildflower’ which was Lorraine’s debut single and the title of the EP itself is next. Out of all the songs on the EP, this one is the slow song for me and somewhat of the dark horse. The emotion in this one makes me think it is the saddest song on the EP but, in my opinion, it is the song that has a special place in Lorraine’s heart. I might be wrong but this song covers an important topic. I won’t spoil it for you but this song is the hidden gem of the EP. 

Lastly is ‘Changing Tides’ Lorraine’s most recent single. It dropped on May 16th and, personally, I think, with what is going on in the world, this song is very relevant. The instrumental going on in the background can get distracting in parts because the violin is stunning in this song, so take a moment to listen to this song twice. Once for the lyrics and once for the instrumental magic going on in the background.

In my opinion, Wildflower is primarily an EP which is easy to listen to music. The songs themselves include some interesting and personal messages but the listener will be able to relate to certain situations within the songs easily. The lyrics flow easily and you will be singing along after listening to them a few times! There are certain aspects of these songs that I cannot wait to see how Lorraine performs them live. Let’s hope I will be able to check out her music live someday soon. 

But, don’t just take our words for it! You can listen to Lorraine’s EP ‘WildFlower’ here.