Fresh from the 2016 CMAA Academy of Country Music, El Cosgrove’s star is on the rise with the recent release of her debut EP, Guitars & Cigars.

Working with ARIA-Award winning producer Matt Fell is no mean feat, particularly for someone just starting their career. But Cosgrove seems to be a true professional, having already engaged in writing sessions with Kasey Chambers and Ashleigh Dallas, and performing alongside Catherine Britt and Karl Broadie.

As someone whose tastes probably sway to the more pop songs of the genre, it takes a strong player to entice me to the more traditional side of country. Though I am usually put off by those with a strong twang to their tone, Cosgrove has something a little bit edgier that piques my ever-expanding musical curiosity.

In Rebel Girl and The Unfamiliar, Cosgrove’s voice is reminiscent of Elle King’s, with a slight huskiness that appeals. Most of the tracks are upbeat without being overly so, making it easy to imagine the overall EP being a good road trip accompaniment.

With the title song, she shines a light on the softer side of her musicality before I Don’t Think So rounds out the five track EP.

While I would have liked to hear a few more of the slower ballads, it’s clear Cosgrove is going places. From start to finish the EP is solid, in both a musical and production sense. If this is just the beginning, I look forward to hearing more from this promising artist.