Album Details

• Artist: Katey Laurel
• Album: Upstairs Downstairs
• Label: Indie
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2009-06-22

Media

Katey Laurel has a defining shine as pop vocalist.  Hailing from Colorado, her sound can easily be compared to that of Jewel or Natalie Merchant.  

Her lead single "Twenty Something" is a consistent melody that doesn't let down, and her pipes are raspy and belonging to the rhythm. One of my favorite tracks here is "Angels In The Attic".  The accompanying instrumentals just suits Laurel's tone and confidence.  Almost like a continuos free fall of lyricism, her definitive belting is more than you can expect from most indie artist vocalists.  

"Earthquake" as you can imagine, has her mirroring Tori Amos.  Though I'm not sure Laurel goes out of her way to delve into other artists catalogue, its near impossible not to make an Amos comparison here as the piano is key (no pun intended).  The piano is not Laurel's only talent as she plays everything from the tambourine, triangle and acoustic guitar up to brass instruments, a shaker and water glasses on her 2008 release, Upstairs, Downstairs.

Other songs on the album are even aggressive, such as "You" which has a memorable chorus that has just a twinge more whine than I prefer, but regardless sticks to your brain.  Only time will tell if Katey Laurel can break free of her Colorado ceiling, but if confidence and a 'as a matter of fact' tone are any indication, look out Pop World here she comes.

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