Laura Schneider - Infatuation

Laura Schneider

Infatuation
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Laura Schneider is a metro-Detroit based singer/songwriter who writes songs filled with inspirations of jazz, pop and Broadway. On her recent EP entitled Infatuation the songs are held down by her powerful voice and piano. Whether this is your type of music or not there is no denying she can belt out a song. Throughout Infatuation she displays her dynamic range as well as her impressive vibrato. I’ll be the first one to say that this music will not resonate with everyone. The songs have a show tune like quality. The vibe is somewhere between a song you would hear in a Disney movie from the ‘90s like Little Mermaid and a jazz singer you might see in a lounge.

Take for example the first track “City Lights,” which starts off with a lone piano and her vocals. Her voice carries with it a range of emotions but one of the most prominent is a hopeful, grandiose quality that is reflected in so many songs. The track gets more intense as it progresses. Orchestral strings make their presence known as well as a non-threatening drumbeat.

“Infatuation” is a bit darker and the highlight of the four songs of the EP. The same instrumentation still revolves around drums, orchestral strings and piano but what's being played is very different.  This time around the drums have energy and the piano has an ominous ambience when she sings “ infatuation pull on my heart strings sweet satisfaction that you seem to bring.”

The third track “Turn Out the Lights” contains the most melancholy but weaves in some hopeful sentiment towards the end of the song. She closes with “And So,” which is a solid, powerful song that reaches for her most impactful performance. 

Overall, for the genre of music she plays she does it well. I know for a fact that this will appeal to a select demographic of people. This doesn't quite fit the criteria for top 40 pop nor is it something the hipsters will embrace. I guess the only way to see if you dig it is to take a listen. 

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