Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Empress
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
This debut album from the multi-instrumenatlist Calista Kazuko finds the subject matter surrounding feminine power and sexuality, as the songstress dedicates this body of work to her late father, the violinist Paul Robertson.
“The Empress” starts the listen with hushed, breathy vocals in a bare setting that soars, and “Come To Mama” follows with mystery and elegance amid plenty of sophisticated melody.
In the middle, “Ode To Genevieve” uses strategic keys and strings in the album ballad, while “Dear Sabotage” continues that landscape with some pop influences complementing the bluesy feelings. “Sick Like Me”, one of the best tunes, then brings more forceful percussion and expressive vocals for an unclassifiable but immediately intriguing artistic venture.
Near the end, “Cake” offers a danceable excursion into strong rhythm and timeless melody with vocal effects, and “We Are Impress” ends the listen with marching band style drumming and repetitive vocals that unfold with a dreamy quality.
An extremely versatile affair, Kazuko finds a unique place to reside where pop, blues, jazz, cabaret sounds, and modern rock all co-exist alongside inimitable storytelling on this well executed first album.
Travels well with: Fiona Apple- Tidal; Amanda Palmer- Theatre Is Evil