“Til Night Meets the Sun” – Loren Kate

After being so impressed with “When You Leave” last week, I couldn’t wait to hear the rest of Loren Kate’s EP Til Night Meets the Sun. My expectations were high considering the strength of the single, but this recording is truly something special.

The opening track “Silver and Gold” sets the scene a deeply personal country-folk number that shares memories of Loren’s childhood. The stories continue with “This Heart of Mine,” a poignant song about moving on after heartache. “Rollin’ Wheel” is a powerful glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes of a relationship on the brink of separation. Its emotions are palpable. “When You Leave” was already familiar to me, and I’m still in love with it. It feels like it belongs here. So often singles stand head and shoulders above the other tracks; they’re the obviously commercial choice that everyone loves. But that doesn’t happen here, due to the strength of this entire EP. After remembering the past on “Silver and Gold,” it makes sense to look forward with the EP’s title track and its closing number, “Til Night Meets the Sun.” It’s got a real quiet strength about it as Loren talks about her resolve for the future.

I love the organic arrangements of these songs. With acoustic guitars and violins the songs sound warm but understated. They give the tracks space to breathe, ensuring we can hear every lyric. As we should when an artist spins such gorgeous stories. There are no frills or tricks here. I imagine the songs would sound the same if we heard Loren jamming with friends at a party, or on the stage of some intimate Australian pub. Remember, you can do just that when she travels around the country on her EP tour next month.

Til Night Meets the Sun will be available on October 9.

Image source: Soundcloud

Loren Kate Wows Me with “When You Leave”

I’m making a point of getting a little blogging done today. After a week of early starts and late finishes, of a workload that always seems insurmountable, I needed a little music therapy. I found it in the form of Loren Kate’s song “When You Leave.”

I was actually sent the presser of this song back in September, but I firmly believe that the right song finds you at the right time. “When You Leave” is just the kind of mellow I need to relax right now. And the song, which was actually inspired by Loren losing a loved one, is just the kind of thing I needed to hear to remind me to just be here now, and not stress about what’s to come.

This is just stunning. What a special song. It comes from Loren’s EP Til Night Meets the Sun, which is now on my “must hear” list. After playing shows in Nashville this month, she’ll return home for the following dates.

10 October 2015 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton (18+)
14 October 2015 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne (18+)
23 October 2015 – Red Mill Store, Bunbury (ALL AGES)
24 October 2015 – House Concert, Fremantle (PRIVATE CONCERT)
25 October 2015 – Kidogo Arthouse, Fremantle (ALL AGES)
31 October-1 November 2015 – Maldon Folk Festival, Maldon (ALL AGES)
7 November 2015 – Vegan Festival, Adelaide (ALL AGES; FREE)
8 November 2015 – The Cheese Factory Studio Gallery, Meadows (ALL AGES)
19 November 2015 – No.5, Bellingen (ALL AGES)
21-22 November 2015 – Mullum Music Fest, Mullumbimby (ALL AGES)