Expanding their illustrious repertoire with an extended re-release of their 2020 battering ram of R&B laced trauma responses, the Canadian LGBT+ champion and fearless contemporary artist STORRY, emboldens their inner strength with the release of their most vulnerable instances of artistic catharsis with CH III: The Come Up’s deluxe edition.
Taking inspiration from their experience of forced immersion into the sex industry at the hands of a toxic former paramour, as well as their eventual triumphant liberation from those influences, these additional five tracks to their initial exploration on this torrid time in STORRY’s life are jam packed full impressive production value but also that of a new found emotional prowess.
Such inclusions of merit include the ‘House & A Range – Jeia Remix’s big up banger which seems to pursue feminine ascendancy while the Roy David Jr remix of ‘Bow Down’ serves up some early 2000’s The Prodigy-esque big beat twists on Queer centric power-hunger. Throughout this emotional excursion STORRY has consented to an access all areas mentality in an effort to divulge the peak of suffering, especially when considering the magnificent strength depicted on their latest double release of ‘Intimate Abuse’ as well as its acoustic counter part.
With a sound reminiscent of ‘Adore You’ era Miley Cyrus intertwined with touches of haunting opulence from such tracks as Imogen Heaps ‘Hide & Seek’; ‘Intimate Abuse’ inhabits a capturing essence with a slightly lofi undertone, which seems to supercharge the charm into overdrive. Such a compelling vibe all the while harbouring enough power and vulnerability to maintain a mainstream appeal, is a feat within itself before stripping its most prominent characteristics thereby providing us with a truly poignant acoustic rendition. As we listened intently while slowly closing our eyes we couldn’t help but be transported to an imaginary stage, where we find STORRY performing to us in the style of a sort of candle light vigil to the rediscovery of innocence; to call this track in both its original and bare boned iterations a wonderfully stirring experience would be an understatement.
Although this latest augmentation to their previously released studio album isn’t free from instances of imperfection, it’s precisely these occurrences which make the best elements found across its runtime shine excessively bright. As appreciators of an eclectic spread of musical masterstrokes, being authentically raw through the medium of songwriting is an acutely onerous exploit; such compositions deserve the upmost respect and acclamation, especially considering the intense work needed to produce something so triggering and yet so far reaching in terms of leading fellow survivors through the vast mental torment that comes with aspiring for deliverance.