Sometimes you prefer music as a casual backdrop to a busy life; alternatively a deep dive seeking stimulation is the ideal driver to fill a vacant space. A perfect candidate for the latter is the 4th album release from Canadian roots artist Kaia Kater. STRANGE MEDICINE has been a slow burn with a six year gap since Kater's last record. Its unveiling reveals a compact collection on the surface expanding in an exponential dimension as each of the ten tracks is explored. The dedicated listening experience yields acres of satisfaction emanating from an artist with a thoughtful demeanour.
Strong connections are on hand to add shine to the content. Fellow Canadian Allison Russell features on 'In Montreal' where a hometown lure simmers through evocative vocals and trademark banjo. Opening the record sees the services of Aoife O'Donovan enlisted on 'The Witch', the final pre-release single tackling historical misogyny through the narrative of revenge. This mystical opening sets the scene for the record. The third named associate is Taj Mahal lending a hand to 'Fedon' where Kater returns to her Grenadian heritage in a song about a revolutionary figure. More banjo is joined by violin here. Six tracks in and a familiar sound is embedded. The album title is also revealed in the lyrics to this track.
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| Photo by Janice Reid |
A slight deviation in style elevates 'Often as Autumn' to one of the listening highlights. Strong vocals, a minimal sound backdrop and a delve into the paranormal stimulate the senses to energise the engagement. There are strong folk credentials to this track. A similar feel comes from 'The Internet', the first song to surface around the turn of the year and almost an outlier to the underpinned tone. Here the writing is more explicit in sentiment as digital connection is lamented. Those attending Kater's winter UK shows will also associate it with spilt drink!
There is a lyrical draw to 'History in Motion' where an observation agenda drives a meditative song exploring barriers. Yet more banjo filters into the ears, similarly to the beguiling and wistful 'Maker Taker' inspired by a brave detachment from how others perceive your songs. 'Mechanics of the Mind' leaves a musical mark with strings and a steady hypnotic beat. Further exploration reveals the long process getting 'Floodlights' from raw parts to recorded song. Listening first time draws you to the near spoken lyrics. 'Tigers' is a ruminative ending closing the lid on a finely tuned and deeply personal music collection.
STRANGE MEDICINE is the antithesis to a quick fix. Kaia Kater's music is an immersive experience. Stripping away a shrouded exterior exposes subtle layers of instrumentation alongside poignant writing drawing solace from self analysis and viewing a world through different lens. A complex record devoid of significant hooks is compensated by a towering lyrical presence and a miscellany of sounds embodying the roots spirit. This is a record best consumed in full and solo where a commitment is lavishly rewarded for those of a discerning disposition.