Few debut albums arrive with a concept ambitious enough to weave mythology, feminism, spirituality, and musical experimentation into a single narrative. Yet Wild Woman does exactly that. Australian-born, New York-based artist kol isha introduces herself as far more than a singer-songwriter; she is a producer, storyteller, and sonic architect who refuses to recognize genre boundaries. Inspired by Women Who Run With the Wolves, the nine-track album journeys through different manifestations of the Wild Woman archetype, drawing from chamber pop, blues, folk, gospel, electronic music, world traditions, and experimental soundscapes.
The title track, “Wild Woman,” immediately establishes that cinematic vision. Mystical flute melodies drift through moody guitars while sharp strings and slow, rumbling drums steadily build dramatic tension. kol isha’s deep, velvety voice glides effortlessly between tenderness and commanding power, delivering every phrase with a sense of liberation and conviction. As the arrangement expands, her soaring vocals transform the song into an anthem of self-discovery and feminine empowerment, capturing both vulnerability and untamed strength without sacrificing melodic beauty.
Elsewhere, the album continually reinvents itself. “The Devil” plunges listeners into eerie, atmospheric territory through unsettling ambient textures and haunting sonic details that feel almost cinematic in their suspense. Spoken French passages add another layer of intrigue before her rich, expressive vocals emerge, slowly intensifying the emotional weight. She sings that the devil is the truth; it is in her red dress and has spawned creation, subverting the Origin of creation.
Meanwhile, “Jerusalem” shifts the atmosphere once again, embracing traditional influences through rumbling ceremonial drums, slowly ascending strings, and ethereal vocal harmonies. Chant-like backing vocals create an almost sacred ambience as the song evolves into a sweeping anti-war meditation centred on unity and shared humanity. Folk-inspired percussion grounds the arrangement while kol isha’s soulful performance carries the emotional core with remarkable grace.
Throughout Wild Woman, kol isha demonstrates remarkable confidence as both producer and performer, embracing fearless stylistic shifts without losing sight of the album’s overarching vision.
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Review by: Naomi Joan