Kathryn Baker: Distrait

By Stephanie Corne

Wellingtonian songstress Kathryn Baker’s debut album is a pleasant listen. Opening with sweet ballad Mourning A Brother Baker’s voice holds great tone beyond her years. A couple of tracks show strong commercial appeal such as Weak (think the sweet perfections of Flip Grater) and Like Family - an almost gospel number complete with choir filled choruses. For fans of easy listening, clean lyrics, and sweet sentiment in a modern package (Vanessa Carlton, Brooke Fraser) Baker is of a similar ilk. At times one can’t help but feel the album’s direction is slightly confused as Baker jumps between a country vibe to slotting in electric guitars at the end of largely acoustic songs. Rather than adding an edgy rock element these electric add-ons seem unnecessary, out of place or at worst, rather cheesy. Soft rock tracks Moral Apathy and Silence Crashes provide the most cohesive use of guitar. Baker’s attempt to contemporise through changes in time signature, missed beats and sound effects, while admirable, leaves a mixed bag of hit and misses. The record has a strong Christian feel to it in terms of style and may hold crossover appeal with this market boasting songs with titles such as Coins, Coitus & Control and Moral Apathy. ‘Distrait’ is an album that is well suited to the mainstream listener looking for something new. With a bit more seasoning and focus Baker will go far. Out through Wellington-based Twig Records

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Issues

NZ Musician

February/March 2008