Magnetic Moves
Symphonic, 2019
8/10
Formerly handling the keyboards and vocal harmonies with the band Houndmouth, these days Katie Toupin is going the solo route, and she’s bringing much talent and adventurousness to the table.
The title track starts the album with Toupin’s engaging, smokey vocals on an upbeat, stylish version of today’s indie-rock where key and guitars are used strategically, and “Run To You” follows with a calmer setting on folk influenced sounds and subtle reggae nods.
Elsewhere, “Real Love” brings in much atmosphere where acoustic guitars and an orchestral backdrop add much to the tune, while “The Hills Are Calling” relies on a precise rhythm section in the cautious, pop influenced highlight.
Near the end, “I Need You” finds the songstress getting playful in mysterious and rhythmic ways with traces of dream-pop , and “Back In Time” ends the listen with some warm pedal steel on the country influenced exit that radiates beauty.
Though her previous band was well known for their indie-rock influenced Americana, on her own Toupin spreads her wings into many genres in soulful, sometime quirky and always thoughtful ways. Perhaps most closely sounding rooted in ‘70s ideas, this is a debut solo effort not to be missed.
Travels well with: Harry Nilsson-Pussy Cats; Moon Taxi- Daybreaker