Kayla Luky

Kayla Luky presents a collection of well-crafted songs that prove she’s a mature artist, but to pretend this record is about anything but her massive voice is a big mistake. With more than a little country lilt, Luky seems to bring forth some spectacular notes and phrases with no effort whatsoever. This would probably be less valuable to the overall product if the remainder of the mixture wasn’t also of such high calibre. The rich folk-influenced harmonies and copious steel-pedal slide guitar gives the album a polished nostalgic feel usually reserved for songs of another era. While the song titles Cowboys are Coming, Arizona and Lonesome Ranger correctly hint at an album steeped in country tradition, Luky subtly distinguishes herself from that genre by drawing on a Neko Case-style of indie folk. This is a strong album from a local artist to keep watching.

Published in Volume 66, Number 2 of The Uniter (September 8, 2011)

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