Kathy Zimmer - White Noise

by Malcolm Carter

published: 10 / 5 / 2018

Label: Zimmer
Format: Download

New York City-based singer-songwriter and self-described ‘cosmopolitan folk’ artist Kathy Zimmer’s new five track EP proves to be compelling listening that is unlike any other music around now

Review

Classically-trained Nebraskan-born Kathy Zimmer is currently based in NYC. Her latest EP, the five-track ‘White Noise’ follows on from three full-length albums and one earlier EP. Kathy describes her sound as ‘cosmopolitan folk’; one can understand why she’s created her own little genre as to put the music Kathy makes over these five original songs into one neat box is near on impossible. If there is a common factor running through the songs it’s that they all have a theatrical touch. Kathy is a songwriter who doesn’t just write catchy, smart songs but, as so many others are just now, she’s creating little stories and setting them to music. She’s a storyteller and a damn fine one at that. It seems that she only needs a flicker of an idea to turn her thoughts into instantly accessible yet at the same time idiosyncratic pieces of music. The title song, ‘White Noise’, was inspired by the sound emanating from a noisy air conditioning unit; ‘Watch Me’ was triggered after watching a burlesque act. Joshua Valleau who also lends his skills on piano and synths to the EP produced the songs. ‘True Blue’ displays Kathy’s pop sensibilities to the full and hits the spot instantly. It is difficult to get the tune out of your head after just one play. There is a slight nod to the sound of 60’s girl groups here, and, although the addition of cello lifts the song into different territory, it is the vocal arrangement which is most stunning. ‘Watch Me’ also recalls slightly the sound of 60’s girl groups for some reason; again the appearance of cello from Brian Sanders lends a completely different texture than you would expect from such a comparison and the retro synth flourishes take the song even further away from those initial thoughts. That is, however, part of Kathy’s charm and attraction; taking just the slightest of influences and fashioning them into a sound that is completely modern and accessible. The title track is probably the most experimental on the EP. Valleau’s pretty synth sound frames an outstanding vocal performance from Kathy. It veers a little close to quirky initially but the song soon develops into something of a vocal tour-de-force, the percussion and that cello again creating an exciting, never-knowing-what-to-expect-next journey while never losing sight of its roots. The closing ‘Give’ does just what the final song should do; leaves the listener wanting more; compared to most of what has gone before it’s given a sparser arrangement but it’s those vocals once again that are so impressive. It appears that ‘White Noise’ is only available digitally at the moment. although it seems it’s there on all the regular online music outlets. As Kathy Zimmer is a name that is new around these parts her back catalogue is definitely going to be checked out now. If her past work has any of the same attraction which makes ‘White Noise’ so special, then Kathy Zimmer has another fan for life.