Reviews - Kate Garrett - Review of Vertigo from Westworld Magazine
Upon discovering that this was a Folk-Rock CD, I must admit at being a little apprehensive. What with the influx of similarly labelled bands springing up like gremlins in H2O, I expected the worst. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The album is really easy to listen to and what one would lazily call chill-out music; perfect when youre soaking in the bath or curled up with a book and a glass of wine or even with the odd friend round. I found myself becoming lost in the music (definitely a good sign!) and couldnt help drawing parralels between lead singer Kate Garrett and songstress Tori Amos. From rousing tracks Coming home and When is the man through to more heavy and heady numbers like Star, kate asserts her powerful and eclectic voice to create an album of personal yet transcendant themes. Love lost and gained, family introspection, feminine affirmation, all are covered here with passion and honesty belying a woman who has had her fair share of growing pains. This is not to say, however, that Vertigo suffers from depressive angst, since most of the 12 tracks employ a full lineup of very capable musicians, hitting firm grooves and melody friendly choruses. With the ever transient nature of the music business embracing (once again) acoustic, song driven artists, Kate Garretts debut has come at an opportune time. A young woman that writes and performs her own material is still an all too rare phenomenon and Vertigo once again proves, that in a predominantly male led industry, women often remain on top. Its certainly a worthy addition to the Genre, and Ill certainly be looking out for more music from Kate and her band, and recommending it to my friends. catch Kate at the Twelve bar club, london on the 11th of may and at the Wheatsheaf, Oxford June 16th.
Westworld magazine, Bristol