aaamusic | On 13, Nov 2011

I’m so tired of the word folkstress but try as I might I couldn’t come up with a fun alternative. Whatever that word is, Katie Malco is one. Her sophomore release is a 5-track EP that dwells on intimacy, brotherhood, and lots of other cosy things. Katie’s voice serves the purpose perfectly:  straightforward, pure as snow, and warm as a furry hat.

If the main problem for the folk scene at the moment is how to stay out of the coffee-multinational compilation radars, Ms Malco can be considered safe for now. Her EP is personal and true, and couldn’t possibly soundtrack someone stirring his cappuccino with a wooden stick. It was recorded in a church, but it still sounds unbelievably home-y. Opener Laadeedaa plays on the contrast between the carefree feel of the title and the wistfulness of the lyrics. So does Sad Eyes, although it’s the music here that deceives you – a strum-led, clap-inducing potential single whose chorus goes “Why so sad? You ask – I’ve been practising my goodbyes”. It’s arguibly the closing track that’s the highlight here though – Florence Nightingale’s House is affected, simple and it delivers. “You look for warmth in the coldest places” is one of the favourite lines here. It’s songs like these that mark a professional from the rest.

 

Chiara Amoretti