Kelly Buchanan
Match
Velvet Ear
Kelly Buchanan’s sophomore release sees her adopting a stance somewhere in-between an angry, confessional Alanis Morissette and Edie Brickell’s swirling folk pop. She’s a music school graduate and it shows, for bad and worse. However, while this could have easily come across as another album of crafted poseur angst, it is very likeable, with some pretty impressive moments thrown in for good measure.
Buchanan’s strong and passionate voice and her exploratory approach to songwriting are vital factors in the album’s success. Rather than settle down within any one musical parameter, Buchanan seems intent to learn the limits of her ability, constantly trying to push herself and her band. There are a lot of different things going on here, and while that distracts from the overall sense of continuity and consistency of the album, it ensures that there’s something to surprise and engage the listener.
Kelly Buchanan: http://www.kellybuchanan.com/
