Kate Rogers - Welcome EP
[Grand Central]

Fresh from guest appearances on Manc based hip-hop/downbeat label Grand
Central's ever expanding catalogue of releases, comes this four track solo
taster EP from willowy Canadian singer-songwriter Kate Rogers.

Preceding a full length album 'St Eustacia', due early 2004, we're treated
to four guitar based self-penned numbers, which bring to mind the likes of
Beth Orton, Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell. Being a middling singer-songwriter
affair couldn't be more different from the past beats & breaks heavy
material which has put the label on the map.

Kate's voice has benefitted from being surrounded by guitar, piano, drums
and various other instruments. But as acapella, there are obvious
weaknesses. This is why at times, there are multi-tracked vocals to
reinforce the rather stark and vulnerable tones, which give her voice
something to fall back on. Strong backing throughout tries to raise the
stakes but there is very little to get worked up about.

Lyrically, it's all very meaningful and Kate offers us the wealth of her
life experiences. If you can relate to the subject matter it's fine, but
tales of friendships lost, regained and then lost again do tend to grate
after a while. You kind of get the feeling that this should be made into a
TV series and shown alongside American teen dramas.

'Nothing Appeals To Me Here' is actually the most appealing track. The
recently signed Jon Kennedy gets involved, sprucing up proceedings by
painting evocative sonic pictures. Shuffly drums, strings, cello, subtle
flourishes of flute and even the appearance of a flanger makes this a cut
above the other three tracks. It just about saves the EP from being
completely MOR and workman-like.

Rustic and Autumnal, this fleshed out sound is one that should definitely be
explored further in the future. In truth, there's not a huge deal wrong with
this, it pushes certain buttons and is rather pleasant. Yet you still get a
strong essence of female artists with guitars and tasteful coffee-house
backing music. Rather like the recent Willis album, this has it's niche and
if marketed correctly, could do well.

Purchase if you like bland female singer-songwriters with largely
unimaginative arrangements, but otherwise avoid welcoming this into your
collection.