Natalie Price
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
A very thoughtful debut from the Austin, Texas vocalist, guitarist and kalimba player Natalie Price, these self-described ‘Ameri-kinda’ songs bring in some excellent help for the emotive and dreamy climate.
“Done” opens the listen with Stephanie Lambring’s distinct voice and Josh Kaler’s dense electric guitar making for a rugged yet melodic climate, and “The Island” follows with Mary Bragg’s pretty pipes and Liz Estes’ graceful violin complementing the bright kalimba.
The breezy “I Couldn’t See” occupies the middle spot and emits much beauty thanks to Jon Estes’ fluid Hammond organ and Megan Coleman’s warm drumming, while “What We Daydream Now” features David Ramirez’s on vocals for the rich duet that uses Estes and Kaler’s guitar with much intimacy.
Close to the end, “Don’t Give Up On Me” benefits from Price’s expressive singing amid aching pedal steel and cello in a bare landscape, and “See You Again” exits with just cozy acoustic guitar and eloquent storytelling from Price’s cautious vision.
An excellent first album, Price knows her way around a song you won’t soon forget, and the parallels to Julia Jacklin and Faye Webster only add more intrigue to the listen.
Travels well with: Amy Stroup- Since Frank; Jane Bruce- My Bed