Beth Ray Writes

Today is the release of Rachel Chinouriri’s debut album “What A Devastating Turn of Events” and she’s been touring the country hosting intimate album shows and Q&A’s with fans. I went to her intimate show at Manchester’s Academy 3 last night and decided to share what a great night it was.

First of all let me talk about the album. Rachel Chinouriri is an indie star who isn’t afraid to put everything out in the open. Her debut album touches on the usual themes of break-ups and heartbreaks before delving deeper into topics which are not discussed as openly, subjects of self-harm and suicide.
The song “Robbed” is about the death of her niece, “My Blood” is about self-loathing and “Dumb Bitch Juice” sways on the lighter side discussing the turmoil of dating a guy who you know is no good for you but you can’t quite shake him off yet. Her songs are beautiful and Rachel is brave laying her soul so bare, but it pays off with the art she’s created.

There are also so many fun tracks on the album. Single “Never Need Me” (for which Florence Pugh makes an appearance in the music video) is a fun indie pop track witch a catchy chorus. The latest single “It Is What It Is” reminds me back to the days of Lily Allen and Kate Nash where they’d mix into the song spoken words and a poppy chorus. Rachel includes voice notes from friends in the intro and outro and it feels as though you’re included in their group chat listening to her latest relationship drama.

For a debut album it’s terrific and I was so lucky to go to one of her intimate gigs. Rachel is a queen and her talent is wonderful.
“You’ll have to help sing with me because I have an ear problem” she mentioned to the crowd as she arrived at Manchester’s Academy 3. You wouldn’t have been able to tell she’d been suffering with an ear issue as she was note perfect throughout the whole gig.

Chinouriri started with the gloomier songs ofd her album (“I thought i’d bunch them together” she says) opening with The Hills followed by “Robbed” and “My Blood”. She then moves on to my personal favourite track “All I Ever Asked” before moving onto the sassy “Dumb Bitch Juice”. Rachel then played the gorgeous ballad “So My Darling” before finishing with the poppy “Never Need Me”.

In summary the gig was amazing, it felt so special to be part of such an exciting time in Chinouriri’s career. It’s only just beginning and I don’t think she’ll be playing at an intimate venue again anytime soon. I predict big things for this indie queen. With great 4 star (out of 5) album reviews from NME and The Guardian along with an 8/10 review from Clash I think Rachel’s tracks will soon be heard to a wider audience who will only just be discovering her talent.

If you want to buy the album you can do so here and you can buy tickets for her tour here.

Let me know your favourite tracks on the album,

Beth x