REVIEW: Katie Malco And The Slow Parade EP

I don’t like folk, and I can say that to people (and indeed have said it to people) with some strength of conviction. But then if I pause to think about it, about the Jeffrey Lewis and Slow Club records I own, or the fact that my favourite album of the year so far is the decidedly folk-y “Let England Shake”, I realise that’s not entirely true. I mean, I definitely like at least 4 folk records! On the whole though, there’s no denying that I have certain ideas about what folk is and a definite sense that it’s “not for me”.

So I’m pleasant surprised by And The Slow Parade, the first release from Katie Malco for Alcopop Records, which manages to get past my wall of folk prejudice through it’s sheer, unrelenting catchiness. Things start off well enough, with Katie’s softly sung vocals on Laadeedaa crafting an earworm of a chorus from (you guessed it) Laadeedaa’s, but it’s second track Sad Eyes which signals her songwriting talent. Employing more of a full band sound, the clap-along drum beat and plaintive cries of “I’ve been practicing my goodbyes” create an undeniably catchy song.

Next track Get In The Car is even better, easily the highlight of this EP, building from just guitar and vocal to it’s soaring conclusion, and while the following song Johnny may be the least compelling track on offer here (inexplicably chosen as the single to promote the EP), the record ends on a high with the stripped back beauty of Florence Nightingale’s House.

All in all this is a promising debut and while there’s room for a bit more variety between tracks, there’s no doubting the potential shown in these songs. Given a bit more time, Katie Malco could become something truly special; for now though, these songs will do just fine.

7/10

Katie Malco And The Slow Parade is released November 21st, you can order it here.