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.
'Honest, energetic and fun' are the three words that up and coming solo artist, Katie Coleman, uses to describe her debut EP.The bubbly 19 year old has been dividing her time between her hometown of Darlington and the studios of London to work with, amongst others, Mike Bianco at Elephant Lane Studios and Grammy winner, Ian Dowling. (Adele) for the still to be named EP, which I was informed will be released early this year. Most people would find it stressful or difficult dividing their time between two cities so far apart, however Katie takes it all in her stride. 'It's not so difficult really! I teach singing on a weekend in my hometown, so I'm always down during the week for studio time and writing. I think if you really wanna pursue something you love, then I feel it's only a small thing in the long run'. The Pop Soul singer has a voice as big as her personality, which has already gained her a few slots at London's famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz club. 'For the last year I've really developed as an artist, so being able to play these venues is a really cool achievement!' Is her answer to how it feels to have accomplished so much in such little time before adding 'I've been working hard in the studio with some great writers and producers the last few months working on the 'Katie Coleman' sound. I feel like I've already gained so much experience, so it feels good'.
With a signature blonde bouffant and flicking eyeliner, in all of her YouTube videos Katie has certainly nailed the stylish, vintage look which then manifests itself into her music but with a personal edge. 'I've always been fascinated with the old school sound and really classic iconic looks from those eras. I grew up listening to soulful singers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Jimi Hendrix and those are just a few names from my dad's collection that I would put on in the car as a kid! But now, as music is evolving, I love mixing that sound with an urban twist and really trying to find something new, which people will connect with how I did with those old soul singers!' As well taking notes from such musical icons, Katie Coleman manages to find her own niche within her songwriting by mixing in her own life experiences. 'I've been writing since I was 10 years old, so a lot of the inspiration Comes from life experiences since then; family, relationships, friends and love! But now I'm nineteen, my perspective on things are different. But listening to other artists and genres of music out there also inspire you to write something you wouldn't normally write about.'
Although it is early days for the northern songstress, with such a memorable sound and personality, the name 'Katie Coleman' will become a whole lot more familiar on the music circuit. The positive work ethic and warm, unique vibes deems Katie ahead of her age but is also what makes her so likable as an artist.
Live Dates
10th February at Barfly, Camden (tickets £5)
13th February Proud Galleries (free entry on guest list - rsvp @ Adam@madamusic.com)
