Artist: Laura Paragano: vocals, rhythm guitar, trumpet and harmonica; Linden Evans: lead guitar; Jerry Miller: bass; and Mike Steczo: drums
Album: ‘Strange Curses;’ Recorded at Tiny Telephone, San Francisco; Engineered by Sami Perez; Mixed by Sami Perez; Mastered by Jacob Winik
People naturally endure diverse emotions that distinctly impact the way they view the world around them, as they mature and confront life’s most challenging experiences. Indie singer-songwriter, Laura Paragano, has finally found the perfect way to contemplate and externalize her feelings and the ordeals she has faced: penning the 10 tracks for her recently released surf-blues-heartland rock debut album, ‘Strange Curses.’ The San Francisco-based multi-instrumentalist has powerfully worked for the past several years to not only fully accept the person she has become in adulthood, but also find the perfect words to express how she feels with society.
Paragano enthrallingly proves that she’s diligently working to move on from her ‘Strange Curses’ with the record’s first entry, ‘Out for a Surf.’ The sultry first song on the album features surf and heartland-infused lyrics that are magically sung by the musician, whose vocals are reminiscent of Patsy Cline. Supported by a country twang on the guitar and drums, the lyrics are driven by a sensuality that highlights Paragano’s doubts over why she ever wanted to fall in love. She confesses that she feels that the man she loves is drifting away from her, and she humbly admits that their relationship isn’t anchored and stable.
‘Out for a Surf’ then delves into the record’s stunning sophomore effort, ‘I’m Fine.’ The track intriguingly merges So-Cal soft rock with new wave elements. The singer contemplates how the people who truly deserve peace in their lives are the ones who will achieve it the easiest, as opposed to those who are determinedly searching for it. Paragano’s soulful and insightful lyrics will surely make listeners ponder where life will take them, as they search for their rightful place in the world.
Another standout tune on ‘Strange Curses’ is its fifth entry, ‘And You,’ which features a captivating blend of R&B, blues and jazz-infused lyrics and instrumentation, as well as a harmonious vocal range. Paragano enthrallingly croons that while she has been stuck in the darkness, she has diligently worked to find the right path in life.
‘And You’ transitions into the album’s gripping sixth song, ‘California Dreaming,’ which features a notable instrumentation, particularly by the harmonica. The musician relatably admits that at times, she questions why she should get out of bed in the morning, as she feels like she doesn’t have anywhere to go, or a true purpose in life. Driven by a soulful rock vibe, she admits that she has realizes that she wants to find a purpose in her life. ‘And You’ is a true anthem that highlights that she’s not ready to give up yet, and she has come to embrace her own California dreaming.
‘Strange Curses’ continues to maintain listeners’ attention on its penultimate track, ‘I’m on Fire,’ which is a enticing cover of Bruce Springsteen’s hit 1985 rock song of the same name. Driven by sultry hues and country instrumentation and vocals, the tune captures the same spirit and emotions as the multi-Grammy Award-winning New Jersey singer-songwriter-guitarist.
The final entry on Paragano’s first record is its darker, surf-rock-country-infused title track, ‘Doom / Strange Curses.’ The musician reveals that strange curses are still haunting her, and she doesn’t know how much more she can take of her fate. Supported by gritty guitar riffs and drum beats, she admits that regardless of her wariness of her destiny, she won’t say that she’s sorry for the person she once was.
People commonly endure various emotions that distinctly influence the way they view the world around them, as they contend with life’s most challenging experiences. Paragano has finally found the perfect way to contemplate and externalize her feelings and the ordeals she has faced: penning the 10 tracks for her diverse surf-blues-heartland rock debut album, ‘Strange Curses.’ The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has effectively worked for the past several years to not only fully embrace the person she has become in adulthood, but also find the perfect words to express how she now feels with listeners.
For more information on Paragano, visit her Spotify, Instagram, Bandcamp, SoundsCloud and YouTube pages.
