Muen Magazine

KATIE KERKHOVER

“Blister”

www.myspace.com/katiekerhover

By: Macavity

In the middle of a lot of female singers that are coming forward in the pop and rock scene Katie Kerkhover is a standout that has a great voice and knows how to collaborate with stellar musicians and producers that can help her get her music out there in top quality. The closest comparison is when Joan Jett went solo and came out with a mix of rock ballads that became anthems and also some softer vocals that drew you in to listen more intently. Kerkhover does the same thing with this debut CD. She pours out many emotions and feelings in her songs that apply to guys and girls alike and make her a universal appeal. Interestingly as I was listening I came across the last tune on the album which happens to be a great cover of “Bad Reputation” and she truly makes it her own and not a clone of Joan Jett’s version.

She covers the emotions in songs like “Over Me” and “The Crystal Method” which are filled with great rock riffs, pounding drum programming and deep bass-lines that match a woman stating she is not going to put up with any shit from anyone. The latter shows her ability to place silky vocal work in with harder rock vocals and make it all work perfectly. “Habit” has some great vocal changes and production and vocal alterations to make her range show up with an even more outstanding presence. “Gone Again” is that perfect rock ballad that also shows her potential for being a radio hit and a movie track that would enhance any great film. “I’m The Star” is a great pop rock song that should get a lot of airplay and again is a great tune for a film or any other licensing along with live performances.

She is definitely assertive and “blistering” with her vocals and lyrics alike. When the musicians that form the band come in to play in a song then you get the full experience of a strong woman who knows what she does and does not want out of life. Bordering on cocky lyrics would be easy to say but if the same lyrics were sung by a man then no one would think they were cocky so I just think they are perfect and fit her style and singing. My only critique would be that she stay true and not place a “clean” version of her songs on the CD since her songs have such strength that anything cleaned up or watered down is simply not needed. The songs speak for her and for themselves and should be left as is and full strength without a dilution. Having said that, the clean versions could be released as a separate radio EP for an even wider appeal. Katie Kerkhover’s songs and the album show a great example of what a singer can do to show that she has talent and potential for any direction she wants to go in such as radio, live or licensing. Great CD to add to your collection for all the right reasons! Buy it!