This is an example of how international music is truly becoming. Kate Rogers is Canadian but she records with quintessential Manchester urban label, Grand Central. I understand that this is partially due to Rogers providing vocal services in the past to the label. Last week I had the pleasure of seeing her perform live in Manchester in front of an enthusiastic audience. Impressed but not totally convinced, I looked forward to hearing this, her debut UK album.

Kate Rogers’ musical style is very much in the folk/pop acoustic camp. The opening track, Welcome, reveals an artist with strong melodic and lyrical sensibilities. It’s a haunting, meandering song about going back to the ones she loves; “You out on the porch, watching the rain, I said it before, I’ll say it again, One foot in the door, I’m back to stay. And when I decide I’m coming home, You’re going to be the first to know. And all the words we never spoke before are sure to follow.” Rogers no doubt wears her heart on her sleeve, but beautifully. The album follows this gentle, introspective route with occasional harder edged songs like bass-driven Mighty, and the superbly produced Nothing Appeals To Me Here, a song with dark undertones and some blistering instrumental touches. The latter together with the distinctive Odyssey (which many in her live audience recognised) are my highlights of a very good album.

Kate Rogers has a sweet, fluid voice that perhaps lacks that vital distinctive edge to mark her out from the crowd. However, combined with her strong song writing talent and this high level of recording quality, she doubtless has a bright future. If you like acoustic singer/songwriters, this young artist might be right up your street. Recommended.

3.5/5