Rating: NNN
The new album by local singer/songwriter Sara Kamin looks and sounds like an independent release, which it is. On paper, the artwork has an amateurish, designed-by-my-best-friend quality. On disc, the performances sound like live-off-the-floor first takes, complete with occasional off notes, and the instrumentation is spare – just Kamin’s voice, a thin-sounding acoustic guitar and swooping violin.
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But Kamin’s voice transcends the budgetary limitations. It’s full-bodied, bold, nuanced and fantastically soulful. Jann Arden is an apt comparison. Her narrative lyrics, sentimental but plucky, are sung with heart. As natural as her voice is her songwriting. If better arranged and produced, these tunes have commercial potential. Somebody give this lady some dollaz and get her on the radio.
Top track: 20 Yellow Roses
Sara Kamin plays the St. Clair West Festival (afternoon) and Graffiti’s (evening) on September 26.
