The eye catching phrase 'music is the voice of the soul' was stumbled upon a few years back, stored in the locker and diligently retrieved when something special embedding its philosophy comes to light. Baltimore-based singer-songwriter Katie Callahan laid the foundation in 2021 when her second album drifted across the airwaves into distant ears that savoured the intent and content of her creative approach. Therefore a smooth path laid the way for the new release to glide into welcoming territory. EXTRAORDINARY possesses all the guile and subtle depth to lure open ears on its own merit. The output may on the surface be shorter than its trailblazing predecessor THE WATER COMES BACK, but the breadth and soundscape expands to banish the constraint of time-bound convention. The seven carefully curated songs sprinkle life into the frailties that form common bonds of emotive existence and renew a resolve to draw strength from inner empowerment.
The musical templates chosen to bring the instinctive lyrics into active light vary according to mood, and shimmer within the parameters of a listener's sonic range. Folk sensibilities mixed with indie-lubricated vibes are the sum of genre references required. The essence of Katie Callahan's work is the connective medium of words and music that make inner stories and thoughts accessible for external appreciation.
Few tracks heard this year have the instant appeal exuding from the adorable 'Magnificent Beast (Keep It All Together)' that sparkles with playlist appeal from the record's penultimate slot. Callahan finds the Midas touch in spinning relatable inner difficulties into a positive anthem. Lyrics purr with gems like 'I'm taking my fear on the road' and 'I'm a magnificent beast, but a delicate one' to juxtapose anxiety and progression.
A delve into the record's background notes reveals the inspiration of a personal yoga journey. A understanding of the body's movements and intricacies has fed well into the process of creative expression and the wide reaching qualities transcend any niche origins.
The connective process locks in during title track 'Extraordinary' with 'proof in my body/proof in my breathing/proof in my song' exposing so much. The tempo gently undulates before delicately exploding in line with other tracks on the album.
One of the more self-explanatory titles opens proceedings in 'The Undertaker's Daughter' as issues of mortality are brought to the surface and polished into something heartening to listen to. Tracks from the album began to emerge in the fashionable premiere process with the curious 'Once at a Wedding' that injects a small bout of pop into what was likely a real life inspiration. The therapeutic action of 'I'm gonna dance, dance, dance' in the chorus sums up the response.
The sentiment of 'Love Song for a Best Friend' eases from track to listener's perception. Like so much effective art, Callahan excels in floating songs that act as a guiding lights for listeners. This is a subtle rather than explicit grab, though a grab on your attention nevertheless.
Mellow keys introduce the whims of 'Hungry' that owns a perplexing coating and under layer, while exhibiting the folk purity of Callahan's vocals. Although the album has quite explicit intent, there is room for listener movement and interpretation wiggle room. Good records leave a little out there for such tendencies.
'There You Are' splendidly places the crown on the effective short record and the act of maxing out on impact in a tight setting. Once again a rising tempo adorns the song that is beautifully constructed containing a lyrical structure that is up with the best.
There is a sparkling uniqueness to the music of Katie Callahan. EXTRAORDINARY builds upon the substantive base of her previous material and puts a creative response to life's fundamental issues right into the open. The voice, the lyrics, the melodies and a delightful musical aroma all play a part in sealing the ultimate feat of making a listener enjoy their part of the deal with ease and reward.
