EP Review: Will Joseph Cook – If You Want To Make Money
Will Joseph Cook – If You Want To Make Money
Out Now
Words: Luke Pettican
A mere 6 months after the release of his excellent debut album Sweet Dreamer, Will Joseph Cook is back with a bang with three song EP If You Want To Make Money. After his magnificent debut filled with a plethora of indie pop tracks, his ever-growing legion of eager fans couldn’t wait to see what his latest offering had in store for them.
The opener, and title track, If You Want To Make Money intertwines social commentary aimed at dangers of social media with a splattering of electric guitar and catchy drum rhythms. If You Want To Make Money highlights Will’s innate ability to combine witty lyricism with an interesting and catchy sound.
Like Will Joseph Cook’s album, the real treats start to come when you delve into the non-singles. Holly Wood draws you in quickly with a delightfully infectious pre-chorus and keeps you hooked. This optimistic track driven by feelings of admiration and delight is an absolute highlight of the EP. The track’s vivid imagery features a personal side to Will that was at the forefront of his debut album.
These songs feel like they’re made to be performed live, they almost overflow with energy and passion. Comparisons can be drawn to the likes of MGMT and Vampire Weekend, but Will effortlessly manages to craft his own individual sound filled with anthemic choruses, blinding bright pop production and captivating vocal hooks.
The short but sweet If You Want To Make Money EP ends with a slightly slower track Fish. Whilst dealing with escapism and similar themes to the other two tracks, it feels completely contrasting. It feels reminiscent of Will’s earlier EP’s but also incredibly forward-facing.
While If You Want To Make Money shares a lot with his debut, there’s a confidence to this EP which is remarkably refreshing. The EP signals a move away from the deeply heartfelt side of Will that he showed fans on tracks like Treat Me Like a Lover to playful adept social commentary. It’s safe to say this change is nothing but a triumph.
