NEW MUSIC: Hannah Cole’s EP “Big Bite”
JULY 11, 2023 | BY ALICIA URREA
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Hannah Cole has made her comeback into the indie scene with her second EP, Big Bite. The record follows the release of her debut EP, Cradle, which was previously released in July of 2022. Since then, Cole has toured North America as a supporting act for fellow Nashville artist Annie DiRusso, performing every track from Cradle as well as all four tracks from Big Bite.
The title track is the first song on the record, signifying a new era for the singer. “Big Bite” immediately kicks off with a sequence of simple chords on electric guitar, erupting into full production before Cole’s gentle vocals enter. Her voice overtakes the entire verse leading into the chorus, including lots of instrumentation. A subtle bass line, a rhythmic guitar riff, and a pulsing kick drum are unanimous with Cole’s beautiful layered vocals. It’s a perfect encompassment of an indie alt-rock tune, a genre that Cole is flawlessly entering with this record, beginning with the title track.
“Nuisance” is the second track on the EP, which wastes no time in firing off into the first verse, with a vibrant bass and Cole’s reverbed vocals. The line right before the chorus is definitely one of my favorite lyrics that I’ve heard: “I pour my heart right into you, like a piggy bank / Then I realized that no amount of quarters could ever make you change.” The song goes on to narrate Cole’s dialogue with another person, asking if she’s a nuisance to them; if so, they should say it. The track is extremely fast-paced and energetic, sonically capturing the flustered emotion that is portrayed through the lyrics.
The sentimental “Hilda” follows, which Cole admitted on tour is about her grandmother. The track personally reminds me of a Phoebe Bridgers song, in the way that it’s smooth and dulcet. It starts with patterned, repetitive guitar chords as Cole’s voice sings apace with it. The song is very story-telling in its lyricism, detailing feelings like “If life is getting old forever / At least we’re getting older together.” Overall, there is very simple instrumentation and production on the track, keeping it musically pure and lyrically wholesome. The tail end of the song features a very sweet voicemail from someone who is presumably her grandmother, fading into echoic guitar chords as the track concludes.
“Melt” is the fourth and final track on the EP, which might be one of Cole’s best yet. It amazingly summarizes the alternative-rock genre and style of music we’ve heard thus far on the record, starting with only a guitar part and Cole’s vocals in the first verse. We hear what sounds like feedback from the instruments as the chorus ignites into a full rock-and-roll vibe, with every instrument imaginable joining in as Cole sings the catchy, two-line chorus: “I wanna see you / I wanna see you melt.” The second verse introduces a thick bass that was absent in the first verse, amplifying the instrumentation as the second chorus begins. Upon my first listen of the song, visuals instantly sparked in my mind of a 2000’s garage band playing this for their neighborhood; it almost feels like it could be included on a movie soundtrack because of its nostalgic alternative sound.
If the name Hannah Cole sounds unfamiliar, I highly recommend giving Big Bite a listen. It’s a mature yet youthful EP that will have you eager to hear more from the rising artist.