Music and soul used to go hand and hand before auto-tune got in the way. We have no problem with this musical trend only if the artist’s true emotions are still conveyed through a track. There may be a few kicks here and there in the sound, but the soul of the artist can still be felt. We can name handfuls of artists who took this auto-tune process too far, which caused them to strip themselves of their raw talent and/or establish a phony image they cannot uphold. Both are losses no matter how you look at it. So, to find an artist that has got both goods, an impeccable overall sound and an open heart to hear, is a rare discovery and undeniably one to hold onto.
We are having a hard time letting go of our latest little treasure, Ida Maria. The Norwegian artist’s forthcoming album, ‘KATLA’, will no longer be exclusively ours as of June 7th, when the album drops via Mercury Records. We will not let our selfishness get the best of us because you music fans need to be refreshed with how impacting honest and expressive tunes can be. Ida Maria’s debut album,’ Fortress ‘Round My Heart’, paved a road of success for her sophomore album, ‘KATLA’, to travel across, which includes a number 12 spot on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and number 23 on the Top Indie Albums chart. ‘Fortress Round My Heart’s single, “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked,” also had its fair share of cemented success by reaching Top 40 on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart with over 3.2 million MySpace plays and over 1.3 million YouTube views. With the release of ‘KATLA’ this Tuesday, we might as well assume the pavement will only thicken for Ida Maria.
The 8 track album has the ideal mix of musical genres, which include rock, jazz, pop and rhythm and blues. These categories have their own distinct sounds, but Ida Maria’s adaptable vocals make amends among these discrepancies. She ignites the flame of each track and keeps it powerfully lit with her edgy and spontaneous sound. Auto-tune could not control the skillfully wild ways of Ida Maria and we couldn’t be happier.
Let’s begin to unhinge ‘KATLA’ from our hands with the track, “Quite Nice People.” The opening tune is much slower paced compared to the tempos of the other 7 tracks. We already commend Ida Maria for this unusual ordering. Typically, we hear more fast-paced tunes leading off an album due to their believed higher captivating effect compared to that of the ballad-like tracks. With the first verse of “Quite Nice People,” we thoroughly understand why the artist made the selection. Ida Maria’s vocals immediately set a sensual rhythm and blues infused jolt right through our musical core. To be frank, we were not expecting to be so pleasantly blindsided from the drop of just a single note, but we guess that only shows the lack of soulful music on our iTunes playlist. We might be going off on a bit of a tangent, but there is something about “Quite Nice People” that just reminds us of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got A Friend In Me.” Listen to the clarity of the vocals and you’ll begin to understand this odd comparison.
Our expectations for the subsequent tracks were set at a lofty height due to the insatiable qualities of “Quite Nice People.” The singles, “Bad Karma” and “Cherry Red” have been out for sometime for you to check out, but no matter how many replays we click, our ears just can’t get enough of these tracks. “Bad Karma” gives off more of a rocker feel and “Cherry Red” projects more of a bouncy and cheerful vibe. The similarities between these two songs reside within the rebellious nature of the lyrics. Ida Maria is daring regardless what tempo she sings along with.
The album’s eccentric track titles instilled with oddly charming words is at a high point with the tune, “I Eat Boys Like You For Breakfast.” You would think hearing the words oregano, basil and onions in a song would only fuel your hunger, but the ingredients unleash a carefree side that will pleasantly sprinkle over your relationship struggles. The track’s tempo adds even more spice to the tune with its spunky beat that reminds us of a song you would hop around to while planning an audacious and vengeful scheme, but the fun kind.
From the indie pop tune, “I Eat Boys Like You For Breakfast” to the rocker tune “Devil” to the bluesy song “My Shoes,” Ida Maria exudes a soul that is compiled of just about every genre. Most artists these days can’t even say they have mastered the realms of a single genre. Ida Maria, you are pretty impressive, especially with ‘KATLA”s closing tune, “My Shoes.” Maria’s voice drops a few octaves in this track, but that does not stop her from exuding a form of beauty, even if it is more of a somber sound. Vulnerability might be a feeling some people avoid, but the emotion can be the most exquisitely raw and honest quality of a person. We commend you, Ida Maria, for showing us how being in touch with every aspect of your personality, whether it be malicious or defenseless, can bring you full circle as a person, making you the bravest version of yourself.
Be sure to visit Ida Maria’s official website and facebook page.
by Lonnie Nemiroff
