Kate Walsh - 'Clocktower Park' (K2)
3/5
By: Joshua K
When even Jewel doesn't want to be seen as a 'singer/songwriter' anymore (see her and Liz Phair's current, less-than-spectacular reinventions as - sorry, ladies - pop-tarts), that means it's time to pass the mantle to those who actually give a toss.
Among the older guard, this is notably riot-grrl Ani DiFranco and DJ's muse Beth Orton, while the newer lights include, amazingly, Portishead singer Beth Gibbons, whose recent LP with 'Rustin Man', while overly trad, was decidedly underrated. Add to this list newcomer Kate Walsh.
Rarely have truer words been spoken in a music press release than those accompanying Walsh's debut album: 'Burnham-on-Crouch in deepest Essex is not where you might expect to find the next great singer/songwriter'. Thankfully, rules are meant to be broken. And while she hasn't vaulted to 'great' status quite yet, 'Clocktower Park' is a confident debut that bodes well for the future.
At only 20 years old, she's distinctly a child of the trip-hop generation, and the best tracks on offer (notably 'Miss World' and 'Same Old') skilfully juggle plaintive, moving vox with a downbeat sense of sonic drama. But even the more standard fare is expertly executed, confirming Kitchenware Records' latest signing as one to watch.
Artists in this article: Kate Walsh
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