Karey Lee‘s new album REDEMPTION is a heartfelt testament to survival and rebirth, channeling rock, Americana, and soul into hard-won catharsis. “I served over a decade in prison for a plant,” the Florida-based artist says, now singing boldly of truth, perseverance, and redemption reclaimed with a knack for hooky, affecting songwriting.
“Vibin’ With Me” commences the album with a sweltering rock charisma, weaving between thunderous guitar distortion and suave bass-fronted pulsations. The vocals maintain an anthemic spirit throughout, from the initial themes of oppression to ensuing displays of perseverance. “They tried to break me, they tried to take me down,” continues that confident ethos, refusing to back down in the face of conflict. It makes for a powerful opening statement, one that continues on the ensuing “Love Me Back” — which succeeds in another aesthetical realm initially. Folk-ready acoustics and a “just want you to love me” yearning swells into a riveting rock soaring, and punchy multi-vocal ardor.
Karey Lee’s songwriting continues to excel throughout, especially on the infectious “Big Mouth.” “I don’t think I like you much,” a confessional vocal push lets out as head-nodding guitars conjure a sound fondly reminiscent of The Replacements. The track’s scathing central hook induces replays with its melding of fervent vocals and sturdy guitars. “Self Control” comes next, playing as another display of dynamic stylistic reach. Soulfully brooding wordless vocals combine with spine-tingling strings and soft acoustics, where vocals admit “I can’t resist you.” “Somebody help me with my self-control,” an intense sequence kickstarts, baring one’s soul and vulnerabilities; it’s a rousing, cinematic tour-de-force of a track. Full of emotive, sincere rock songwriting, REDEMPTION is a gripping full-length from Karey Lee.
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“Love Me Back” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
The post Karey Lee – ‘REDEMPTION’ appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.
