Album Review: Cosha - 'Mt. Pleasant'

“Reborn” Wicklow native Cosha, formerly known as Bonzai, has exceeded hype-fuelled expectations with debut offering Mt. Pleasant. The London-based singer-songwriter and producer has come a long way since she emerged with a sound to be reckoned with after working with Mura Masa. Appearing on the electronic act’s breakthrough mixtape with the track ‘Know Me Better’ and signing to Columbia Records; Cassia O’Reilly found herself singing backing vocals for Nao, co-writing with Charli XCX and MØ as well as touring with Flume.

Now 25, Cosha uses the phonetic pronunciation of her name to show faith in herself after leaving Columbia to pursue creative control. The soulful act’s hypnotising Mt. Pleasant sees the fascinating talent collaborate with SHYGIRL, Coby Sey, and Rostam on previewed gems ‘Lapdance from Asia’, ‘Berlin Air’, ‘No Kink in the Wire’ and ‘Run The Track’.

Throughout the invigorating 8-song project, Cosha uses an eclectic range of drum beats, mantra-like choruses, spacious production and emotive songwriting as a lens for her experiences. The end result explores the electrifying sensuality and desire in a beautifully unapologetic and vibrant way. Cosha’s creation of an otherworldly, warm atmosphere on electronic R&B anthem ‘Do You Wanna Dance’ is a highlight, but her joyful sense of the erotic on ‘Tighter’ and ‘Hot Tub’ is effortlessly curated with her stunning falsetto vocal acrobatics, soft instrumentals and spoken word interjections.

Cosha’s journey of discovery - in her art, her sexuality and her sense of self - is fluid, potent and incredibly compelling. Paring love and yearning down to their raw essence on Mt. Pleasant, having learnt to explore both herself as a spiritual person, O’Reilly is just scratching the surface of who she is. We’re elated to hear what wonders she inevitably digs up.

8/10

Listen: 'Berlin Air'

Mt. Pleasant is out now, via Ashtown Lane/Believe