Every so often, a debut album comes along that feels perfectly timed, like the universe nudged it into the spotlight just when we needed it most. Once Upon a Weekend by Manchester’s Corella is that kind of record. Released earlier this year, the album brims with infectious indie-rock energy, its upbeat melodies and singalong choruses practically demanding to be played loud every time festival seasons comes around.
Corella, formed during their university days at BIMM, have spent years honing their sound through a string of singles and EPs, and Once Upon a Weekend captures a band hitting their stride with confidence and charm. It’s an album that’s celebratory in tone, resonant in its storytelling, and bursting with good vibes, showcasing a group ready to graduate from promising newcomers to festival mainstays.
The album’s title, Once Upon a Weekend, is an apt summary of its themes. Written by a band that spent their weekdays grinding through 9-to-5 jobs and weekends chasing their dreams (or finding the best ramen in Manchester as we often watch Joel do on Tiktok), these songs are steeped in the joy of escape and the thrill of possibility. It’s a record that celebrates the small but meaningful victories of everyday life—making it a soundtrack not just for the weekend, but for anyone longing to break free from monotony.
Opening track “Don’t Stop Me” sets the tone with its driving rhythm and irresistible energy. It’s the kind of opener that feels like an adrenaline shot, with Joel Smith’s raw, emotive vocals calling for listeners to lose themselves in the music. “It makes me feel alive,” he sings, and you believe every word.
Corella’s greatest strength lies in their ability to craft massive choruses that feel tailor-made for festivals and late-night car rides. Tracks like “Let Me Go” and “Lady Messiah” are shining examples, their melodies sticking in your head long after the final notes fade.
“Let Me Go” captures a bittersweet urgency with lyrics about letting someone go for the sake of personal growth, while “Lady Messiah” flips the mood entirely, delivering a buoyant, celebratory anthem that praises the inspiring women in our lives. It’s a highlight of the album, its upbeat groove and catchy refrain destined to become a live favourite.
While much of Once Upon a Weekend thrives on high-energy hooks, the album also knows when to dial it back, offering moments of introspection and tenderness. Tracks like “Hometown” and “Rock the Boat” stand out as emotional anchors, balancing the record’s dynamic pacing.
“Hometown” is a stripped-back acoustic number that deals with longing and nostalgia, a theme that resonates deeply with the band’s journey from small-town beginnings to national recognition. Meanwhile, closer “Rock the Boat” starts quietly, building layer by layer into a triumphant crescendo that ends the album on a soaring note.
It’s these quieter moments that reveal Corella’s range, showcasing their ability to balance heartfelt lyrics with accessible melodies.
The beauty of Once Upon a Weekend lies in its ability to feel fresh even as it leans on familiar indie-rock tropes. Tracks like “Drifting” and “Head Underwater” are loaded with driving guitars and punchy rhythms, but they never feel predictable. There’s a sincerity to Corella’s sound—a sense that they’re creating music not just to please an audience, but because they genuinely love what they do.
The standout “I Didn’t Know Your Name” is a perfect example of this balance. With a driving tempo and intertwining guitar and vocal melodies, it captures both the emotional and energetic sides of Corella’s music, making it one of the album’s most memorable tracks.
Listening to Once Upon a Weekend, it’s clear that Corella are more than ready for the big stages. The album is packed with tracks that beg to be sung by thousands under festival lights, and the band’s relentless touring schedule suggests they’re prepared to meet that demand head-on.
Having already played countless sold-out shows over the years, and landed coveted slots at major festivals like Reading & Leeds and Kendal Calling, Corella are proving that their music connects on a wide scale. These are songs that don’t just stick in your head—they make you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
With Once Upon a Weekend, Corella have crafted a debut that’s vibrant, heartfelt, and unmistakably fun. It’s an album that wears its influences on its sleeve while carving out a sound that’s distinctly their own.
This is music made for the here and now, capturing the thrill of freedom, the weight of nostalgia, and the joy of living in the moment. Whether you’re looking for a soundtrack to your next road trip or just need a dose of feel-good indie rock, Once Upon a Weekend delivers in spades.
As Corella gear up for an exciting 2025, one thing is clear: they’re a band on the rise, and this is only the beginning. Stay tuned for more in our Albums of the Year 2024 series, only on The Front Row.
The Setlist & The Script 
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