Album Details

• Artist: Reed Kd
• Album: The Ashes Bloom
• Label: Deep Elm
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2007-10-06

How many quality singer-songwriters will remain under the radar? Has that train left the station already? Today's music scene dictates a certain amount of cannon fodder to result from every overnight success story, and it's a shame because the oversaturation is one of talent as opposed to a lack of it, especially in the singer-songwriter genre. Reed KD, a Northern Cali native who's been producing various garage demos and such for awhile, has just dropped his first full-length studio album. There's definitely a local buzz, and it's spreading for good reason.

   What Reed KD manages to encapsule on The Ashes Bloom is a fusion of folk-rock and a more experimental blend of blues and roots, creating a very modern and very introspective sound. His voice carries with an angelic sweetness reminiscent of Paul Simon, very emotive even if it weren't for the often personal and heart-felt lyrics. The music is often beautiful, with flourishes of piano, electronic dubs and a certain carefree feel that acts as contrast to his delicate but technically sharp guitarwork. His songwriting is strong, as shown on the radio single "You Can Call Me", opener "Road Flares" and just about every point in between. Reed's been on the scene for nearly 5 years now, and it shows in his music.

    While the album is great, no complaints, it's not really my style. Often the upbeatness and electronic influence, to me, do more to distract than they do to engage the listener (again, that's me). It's nothing new, nothing we haven't heard but it's honest, it's well-written and quite a few of the songs will get your feet tapping and your soul humming. Don't expect the next Elliot Smith or anything, but expect good things from this talented musician. 

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