With Katy Steele’s release, Human, it marks a seriously bold return to the industry following on from her stint as Little Birdy frontwoman. Human is at times gospel, haunting and with tribal rhythms underpinning each track. Opening number ‘Diamonds’ features the lines “hold onto this and throw it all on the fire…and I want you to be my heat” and it serves as a song of strength – both for her return to the industry and its content. The pop tones are still there, but they’re darker, wiser and more worldly than before. ‘Where’s the Laughter’ is a slight homage to the sounds from past releases, and is a highlight on the album – if purely for nostalgia’s sake.
Katy flexes her vocal ability in ‘No Slave’, hitting the higher notes with ease and lyrically throughout she puts it all out there, singing of weaker moments, times of strength and those in between. ‘Rescue Boat’ is a highlight for the latter. Overall she’s crafted a pretty stellar return that fans both new and old will love.
Create/Control Records
Reviewed by Alexander Lightfoot
