Katie Burden’s vocals on her new release “Strange Moon” are the blend of St. Vincent and Stevie Nicks’s throaty serenades perfect for a melancholy morning, a smoke-filled bar, or a wistful day gone by.
The first track, “Don’t Ask,” is a warbling tune like she is channeling Stevie Nicks with a pinch of St. Vincent. The catlike yawn of lyrics like “that can’t be much”going through her lilting range is unusual and sleek; she’s a gifted talent waiting to find the right ear.
“Run For Your Life” is a sad, pulling song. The harsh prying of Burden’s voice is one that would fit the moody musing of a lead of an indie film. If you are to become a fan of Burden’s singles, you need first be a fan of oft-plunging vocals. If that’s not your bag, then make like this track and run along, because that is her signature style: the fall.
“I Can See It Clear” pairs a guitar and symphonic riff that’s very catchy. Here comes the wave of Stevie Nicks 70s disco influence. Check it out and give a listen for yourself here.
“Cut The Wire” is another track that feels like a low key croon by Burden that is a seductive, smooth, and even tempo of a siren call paired well with a gentle, slow guitar strum. It feels like a resurgence of Fiona Apple with its pausing, paced warbling. Smoky bar with a smoky eye looking across the room at you? That’s what this song would be if it were a painting.
“Ears” has a mixed background track that is a haunting blend of guitar picked notes and a track that sounds like a presentation from an art house. Sometimes the track is overwhelming Burden’s voice, which is a shame; her surging singing voice is the best part on this release.
“Hunter” is another low key croon. A little too slow for my taste (I love fast beats), but for what it is, is compelling. If you need emo jams for a rainy day, this is a track you will enjoy. “Strange Moon,” the titular track, agrees with it and feels like a natural progression from “Hunter.” The mix of instruments (is it a handsaw being played in the background?) is hard to pinpoint, but gives it a mysterious, alluring air.
“My Kind” is a even-tempered and more pop-friendly twist on her purring vocals. The background track is a trip to the 80s. Come get your synth on. It’s a fun twist that feels very fresh to those going through the recent resurgence of a love for throwback stylistic choices (Hello, “Stranger Things” fans!).
“Too Good For Love” is easily one of the catchier tunes on the album. Burden’s cooing mixed with a funky guitar riff is a fun blend to harken back to Stevie Nicks’s favorite slow jams.
“Coffee” is the last track on the album, and a pensive capstone it is. The isolation of piano keys played one at a time underneath the warbling Burden is a delicate mix. It’s a melancholy morning, a bit of heartbreak, perhaps both.
