Kate Ellis has hovered around the UK country/Americana scene for a while. Now with a few adjustments and a finely crafted product, she is poised for a major career lift off with the release of her latest album. SPIRALS is a classic case of a fine accumulation of talent proving the adage that the sum of the parts can really launch a record up the appreciation ladder. Settling on an unassuming role that suits her style, Ellis and her assembled team orchestrate an emotive rack of songs that simmer and shine in a classic haze of imprint inner writing.
The ten songs forming this album take their cue from the title track as she tackles the way life's emotions spiral while getting dealt with through the ages. There is ample space in the production for the lyrics to take centre stage and here is where a prime asset of Ellis's artistic armoury sits proudly for an eager listener to devour. Telling the stories from a deep dive into the heart are softly spun vocals, slightly more vulnerable than brash, but in situ with a soundscape that articulates a wealth of stellar musicianship.
From the ethereal chimes of 'Wonderland' to the earthy honky tonk vibes of 'Scars', the pace and style vibrates along the template of the subjects inspiring a call to record. Opener 'Can't Not' excels in a fit of sonic escalation, while the lyrics to 'Another Day' catch the ear the most with an air to where they are going to lead. Songs like 'Other Side of the Street' slip into the airwaves with a carefree attitude allowing a smooth passage through the listening process. Never lose sight of the benefit a little ear massage can make when delivering strong serious messages in your songs. It is also useful to depart the stage on a high and album closer 'The Story You've Been Told' exhibits a beautiful sheen to a conclusive moment.
Kate Ellis's anglo existence (Louisiana born - New York raised - London based) gives her a twin approach of tapping into a rich stateside musical DNA and operating in a homeland where her distinctive features can create a niche. There is every optimism that SPIRALS can cut through and showcase an artist maturing in a way that their music acts as a blueprint for others to follow. It isn't an extensive release, but an awful lot is packed into a sincere 35 minutes. While albums once out become the domain of the listener, expect Kate Ellis to enthusiastically take it to other levels with a desire to share the experience and inspiration that brought this record to life. It's pretty sure that checking her out live will ramp up the approval and help the album add further dimension.
