Katie Barbato is an alternative folk singer/songwriter based out of Bryn Mawr, PA. Barbato has been a prolific musician and is getting ready to release her tenth album entitled The Trail of Us. Yes, you read that right. In addition to an impressive discography she is a three time International Songwriting Contest finalist and a regularly featured artist on WXPN 88.5FM. Barbato has shared the stage with Lucy Wainwright Roche, Rise Twain, Darlingside, and Shawn Mullins. Barbato currently writes for television and film as well. Barbato released four songs from her album to give us a taste of what to expect.
The first song I listened to was “Blue On the Inside” which is a fast paced and full sounding rock song. It doesn't take long for the band to explode and then simmer into the verse with Barbato’s vocals. The verse is catchy and well delivered. They find their way back to the chorus and the song follows a familiar rock structure with dynamic builds and lush breakdowns. The outro is pretty epic in scope and feels huge. “Embers” brings almost the exact opposite energy at first and you hear Barbato strumming an acoustic guitar with a well-delivered vocal. The song gets atmospheric with moody piano and tremolo infused guitar. It’s a sweet and tender ballad that starts out melancholy but once the drums and distorted guitars comes in the song transforms into something a lot more broad and full. “Time Is an Illusion” was my favorite out of the four songs. It’s more of a slow burn and I especially liked the more subdued sections. Similar to the other songs it goes for an epic and grand quality at points. “Tightrope” follows a similar structure in terms of dynamics. There's a really nice guitar on this song and I was impressed by the drums as well. The delivery and songwriting was top notch although I have to admit since all four songs went for such an epic and grand quality I was getting emotional fatigue. I haven’t heard the other songs but my guess is not all the songs are reaching for the greatest heights. I think some intimate songs can stay intimate and mid-level energy songs don't have a huge sounding outro. The album will be out in June so take a listen to hear if this sounds like something that might be up your alley.
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