ALBUM REVIEW: Natalie Price – Natalie Price
“Amerikinda” is how NATALIE PRICE describes her music, a blend of folk, indie, pop and tinges of country. But even just a cursory listen to any of the singles from her self-titled debut album and there really is only one country that her music could possibly come from, and one scene – Americana. Across the ten tracks that make up her debut album, she weaves tales that focus on a relatability, on everyday life as well as its trials and tribulations; it’s a vulnerable, raw retelling of periods of her own life set to what emerges as quietly devastating instrumentation.
“Well I think I’ll take up smoking / Never have before,” is the first line Price intones on opener Done. Reflecting on the end of a relationship, it’s an intimate portrayal of her own mental state at the time as she asks “what have you done to me?”. It’s also about her own struggles with the assumptions that’ve been made about her as a person of faith, as she croons about being considered a robot, indoctrinated and inconsiderate of other viewpoints. It’s in this disarming spirit that Price seeks to explore her own emotions in a way that’s relatable for many.
The Island plays with wistful melodies in her voice atop a minimalist kalimba as it opens, other layers from finger clicks to synth bass slowly building. The folk influence is particularly strong, though there’s a modern twist to the instrumentation and the way she assembles the song. Elsewhere, All We Need examines the current cultural divide and lack of common ground people find, reminding us that we are all ultimately human and should perhaps treat each other more kindly. It’s a little reductive, sure, but the sentiment is admirable in appealing to a common ground.
Throughout the album, Price fuses her own experiences and views into music that often starts out soft and builds gradually to an eventual crescendo by the song’s end. It’s a formula she repeats for the majority of the ten tracks, but with how well she makes it work, it’s not that much of an issue; I Couldn’t See has gothic swells that feel like if A.A. WILLIAMS tried her hand at folky Americana, while the swaying bass and vocals of Superstitious feel like a country dance waiting to happen as it builds to an almost slacker rock conclusion.
The biggest takeaway from Natalie Price is that Price herself is an accomplished songwriter already even on her debut release, someone who can pull from her influences without making it too obvious. She’s also adept at weaving those relatable tales, particularly using nothing but her own voice and a single guitar. As much as she might layer each song instrumentally, that core duo is often the most impactful part of the album; hearing the vulnerability and rawness that she then builds upon throughout. It’s also easy to digest, its ten songs passing by in a blink, perfect for either an emotional day or one to simply unwind with.
Rating: 7/10
Natalie Price is set for release on September 29th via self-release.
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