photo by Lee Mac; photo courtesy of Kate Eppers

Album Review of Kate Eppers: The Wishing Well

Kate Eppers‘ captivating vocals immediately bring to mind those of the sort of musical theater performer with the potential to cross over to mainstream popularity. Why musical theater? It’s a combination of emotive, room-filling vocals and delivery. And these songs are tailor-made to package that big, attention-grabbing voice into song-shaped packages. Plus, of course, the reprise at the end suggests a theatrical flair. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

cover photo by Jeremy Dorson Photography; cover image courtesy of Kate Eppers

Beginning to end, The Wishing Well is intense. It grabs the listener’s attention from the very first note, and throughout the music and vocals, from one song to the next, sustains an urgency that’s uniquely compelling.

“Prove That You’re Real” kicks things off with a music-box melody, joined quickly by Kate’s crystal clear vocal, simultaneously wispy and full of power, matched in the latter half by a crunchy, distant guitar line, as Kate’s voice increases in prominence.

“Silence (I Will Wait)” picks up melodically where “Prove…” leaves off. It continues that crisp, angelic vocal style and offers a terrific lead-in to the thumping rhythmic guitar-and-drum opening of “For Me There’s Only You.” In fact, the mix of sweetness and urgency in “For Me There’s Only You” crashes like rockin’ a series of dance pop diva-esque waves, as it’s an epic love song that suggests lyrically and subtly ominously musically that all isn’t quite right. As a result, this steady, beat-driven tune with its penetrative vocal insistence is likely my favorite on the album.

photo by Jenglish Photography; photo courtesy of Kate Eppers

Next, Kate takes a soaring vocal approach to troubled emotions in demon-fighting “Burn This City to the Ground.” The music supporting her vocal contributes to the ominous feel, though the soft ending suggests either resolution or resignation, depending on the listener’s state of mind at the time.

“Follow Me” is uplifting and brings hopefulness back to the collection, and the song’s official video is a great complement to the music, offering a fantasy-world, mystical quest-driven love story that provides imagery well-befitting the song.

Next up is perhaps my other favorite in the collection, the title track, “The Wishing Well.” You can feel the emotions well up throughout the song, as vocals and lyrics suggest a wishful fantasy ending with a less-than-satisfying return to reality. The song itself? Utterly satisfying for the listener as a complete journey led by a magical voice.

photo by Lee Mac; photo courtesy of Kate Eppers

You recall I mentioned a theatrical closing? Yes, “Medley of the Melodies” is a six minute instrumental recollection of the six songs in the collection, wrapping up The Wishing Well‘s package with a musical bow.

Kate’s voice is big, sweet, and ready for the stage. I’m guessing Broadway would be an ideal landing spot for her. But her voice is equally suited to a big, crisp pop album, versatile but distinct, able to capture a variety of moods, notably the roarin’ big ones but also the softer, subtler ones more easily conveyed via album than musical theater. The Wishing Well is a journey worth taking, and Kate Eppers’ voice and talent is a discovery you’ll welcome.

What’s Next?

Since The Wishing Well was recorded (while it sat in my review queue), Kate released another single. “The Hero of Our Time (You Are Mine)” hit online music outlets last summer.

Kate doesn’t have any live gigs on her calendar right now. But who does? As live music returns to our lives, though, you’ll be able to find her upcoming performances listed online at the “Tour” page of her website and the “Events” tab of her Facebook page.