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Kate Lynne Logan’s Sleeping Giants stands among Logan’s eight releases and counting as one of the best examples of her songwriting gifts. It never runs on too long with ten songs included in the running order and each of those compositions is written with an eye towards concision rather than adopting any sort of kitchen sink mentality. The Washington state based singer/songwriter works with a consistent crew throughout the course of these songs and it’s apparent from the beginning they share a bond that enriches the material.
It enlivens each performance. There are a couple of moderate tempos present, but Sleeping Giants largely leans on delicacy far more than power. It makes it even more impressive when songs such as the opener improbably generate the momentum they do. Attentive listeners will hear that the bulk of that spark radiates from the interplay occurring between an intimate group of musicians. “Something Good” gains an extra dimension from its piano playing without ever indiscriminately slathering color on the song.
The album’s general attitude veers between introspective and cautiously hopeful. “Stranger” definitely falls in the “inward looking” category without ever falling prey to navel-gazing. It’s, in part, because Logan has a much wider songwriting lens here than many of her peers or contemporaries might pursue. Hardcore music listeners will hear that from the first. “Ghost in the Dark” and “Burn It Down” are two of the album’s greatest moments, particularly the latter.
Her country influences are peeking through again there. Incorporating pedal steel and slide into her sound beef up the weight without ever bloating the song out of shape. It’s always a careful balance. “Burn It Down” is another of the album’s songs distinguished for its excellent supporting vocals. It’s worth noting whenever such a gifted singer doesn’t mind sharing the vocal spotlight with others and recognizes what they can offer. The songs are better for it.
Some of the album’s finest moments come with just Logan and co-producer Kevin Veatch working together. The multi-instrumentalist is obviously Logan’s key support for realizing these songs and he’s on the same page without question. His melodic touches spread throughout “Better Life” are excellent paired with another exquisite Logan lyric. There’s enough remaining energy for something a little different at the end. “What It Means” seems a little self-conscious, but those moments are fleeting and many listeners will admire its rich and distinctive sound. It isn’t mere ornamentation though, Logan gives a final excellent performance on an album full of them.
Some may ask what sets her apart. The individuality of her journey and how well she expresses it in song. Her seamless marriage of the personal with the everyman/woman. Musicianship that doesn’t borrow from the past but transmutes it into an unique yet recognizable language. There’s more. It’s all here, however, if you care to look and hear what she has to offer. Kate Lynne Logan’s Sleeping Giants is a great album worth anyone’s time.
by Jennifer Munoz
