Kat Devlin and the White Whale: REM Cycle

Kat Devlin is a songstress out of Santa Barbara, California. She has been playing shows along the California coast for the past three years since her move from New York.  The White Whale consists of Bear Erickson on bass, Nate Keezer on drums and percussion, Andrew Kalaidjian on keys and vocals, and Betsy Wise on cello. Together, this group of musicians creates a ”Country Hipster” sound. Intrigued? I thought so. From the words of Kat Devlin, “recommended if you like: Pretty girls. Long-haired guys. Oak trees. Feelings.” If any of the above tickles your fancy, read on!

REM Cycle is a 6-song EP that was created as a “two week recording extravaganza.” It is a celebration of personal lyrics, swaying melodies, and a unique vocal performance by Devlin herself. At times she sounds strong and confident, other times gentle, and cautious so as not to wake the sleeping beast. Devlin’s vocal performance brings her beautiful lyrics to life:

How the snow on the summit
Refused to be melted
Though the sun shone kind
In your eyes
And how I never worried
That I wouldn’t love you
Among trees new-anointed
With green

(Passage above taken from the song “Adirondack Day”)

Released in December of 2011, REM Cycle starts out with the breezy tune, “Dear Emmi”, and the listener feels as if they are traipsing through Central Park on the first day of spring. Slowly, just as the seasons change, the mood and feel of the EP changes too. From breezy to dreamy with  “REM Cycle #3”, we are now in the lazy days of summer daydreaming.  Thanks to the brilliant combination of cello and mandolin, the closing “Big Ivan” with its seriously contemplative subject matter, feels like one of those songs you listen to by a fire in those late fall evenings. It’s the perfect closing song and will leave you wanting to hear more (which by the way there is more!) Devlin has a few other EP’s available for download as well as rough cut songs that she has been working on this past year!

Kat Devlin will be performing shows in California in July and August. If you are in the area, stop by and tell her IMR sent you! For the rest, check her music out on bandcamp, her Facebook page and official website. Check the links below!

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars!

Album Name: REM Cycle
Date Released: December, 2011
Genre(s): Country Hipster
Location: California
Band Members: Kat Devlin- Vocals, guitar and mandolin,
Bear Erickson- Bass
Nate Keezer- Drums and percussion
Andrew Kalaidjian- Keys and vocals
Betsy Wise – Cello
Website: http://www.katdevlin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatDevlinMusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katdevlinmusic
Bandcamp: http://katdevlin.bandcamp.com/album/rem-cycle

About Kerriann Curtis

I need to be where the music is, it's as simple as that.

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