EP REVIEWS: 'Reconnected' Bauer / 'So Much Love' Katie Coleman

Since beginning my blogging journey, Bauer and Katie Coleman have most probably been my most talked about artists. Although belonging in completely separate spheres, (Bauer being firmly established on the underground Manchester scene and Katie Coleman a fast up and coming artist on the London circuit) both have exciting new EPs due for release soon. Bauer make a return this summer with their Reconnected EP, following on the success of previous albums Sleeping Giants and Lose All Memory, whereas Katie Coleman is bringing us her debut EP So Much Love.

The re-release of highly-popular track Connected kickstarts Bauer's Reconnected EP which returns us to their roots, both reminding established fans of a firm favourite and inviting any newcomers with their electro-pop anthem produced by the iconic Steve Power. With an attention grabbing intro, Nothing Will Change is a purely serene track, despite the melancholic lyrics, with Greg Matthews' vocals offering sympathy against the light and breezy synths. Tranquilizing melodies eases into an uplifting chorus before the tone drops into an ethereal outro. My Guiding Light transports us to a lazy summer's evening with atmospheric guitar riffs peeking out from behind sun-drenched synths. Combine this with it's danceable beats and hazy melodies, My Guiding Light demonstrates Bauer's renewed energy and direction.

Bauer demonstrate further their new musical drive by presenting us with By The Blue Lake an instrumental heavily influenced by the works of Trent Reznor. An ominous intro builds and simmers dramatically, interrupted in periods by brooding pianos before synths suddenly take us by surprise. By The Blue Lake contains such a harrowing depth, demanding close attention to be paid which deems the track a personal favourite of mine.

No time is wasted as the highly energetic Hole In My Head introduces Katie Coleman's So Much Love EP with her powerful, soulful vocals soaring above playful guitar riffs and catchy pop beat as we jump head first into an attitude-fuelled, empowering track. Enough softens the EP as our guard is dropped for a passionate piano ballad which demonstrates not only Katie's astounding vocal abilities, but also her talent in songwriting with poetic imagery forming the heart of the track.

Title track So Much Love injects the EP with a funky combination of pop and soul alongside backing vocals heavily influenced by gospel. Place this among the grooving guitar riffs and you have a strong pop track which reels you in and leaves you singing along long after the outro fades out. Never Again playfully tricks the listener with it's soft intro finding itself suddenly kicked out the way for a pumping, feisty track with a heavy rhythm to create a song with a kick-ass edge. I had previously featured a review of Katie Coleman's debut single back in April, however One More Lonely Heart is a track that is in no danger of becoming stale with the ripping guitar riffs and Katie's vigorous vocals soaring above the catchy chorus.

 

Reconnected will be available from the 25th August 

So Much Love is ready for pre-order here and is due for release on 1st September.  

@bauermusic_

@katie_coleman