Kel - Kel

The urge to kill ... insomnia ... perfection ... suicidal best friends...alcoholic lovers... It's subject matter not normally addressed by your average female singer-songwriter but that's part of what makes KEL so appealing. Inspired by the likes of Nina Gordon, Kent, and Sarah Harmer Sydney artist KEL captures her life experiences in her debut self-titled album. Recorded with Sydney producer David Grindley, the album offers up a sparkling insight into the unique perspective of the artist, and also gives a fresh spin on some tried and true themes. Combining traditional rock and pop with smatterings of country, folk, blues and even electronica, the broad appeal of the album has not gone unnoticed. KEL has received radio play in countries as diverse as Germany, the USA, Australia, Spain, the UK, Brazil, Japan, and Fiji, and has had glowing reviews from all around the world. Album tracks have been licensed for films, business to business programming, and internationally syndicated networks - proving once and for all that KEL and her music truly have a universal application. ----- A FEW REVIEWS - 'The Sydney singer's country-tinged music is a lithe combination of guitar-driven rock and a voice that sounds like Lucinda Williams with some of the country whine omitted. It's a strong voice and hints at a strong personality behind it, both in it's timbre and power and also in the type of things Kel is saying. Lines like 'Now don't misunderstand me/ I'm not trying to be happy' and 'can you turn it around/ She gets high when she gets down' (the latter from My Best Friend Is Suicidal) point to a lyricist of unusual class, as is her songwriting generally. There's a lot of grit in what Kel does and this album, with it's masterful arrangements and production, could easily impress a record label overseas' - The Australian Financial Review 'Sydney singer-songwriter Kel melds someone like Suzanne Vega's or the Indigo Girls' ability to write compelling lyrics about queasy subjects like a lover's alcoholism and emotional baggage, or a best friend's suicidal tendencies, without sounding strident or victimized. Kel is also blessed with a voice so true pitch-perfect, and powered by a pure spirit, similar to Sinead O'Connor that rivets you to the speakers, hanging on every word of wisdom and truth. Out on producer Dave Grindley's Sydney indie label Soundbox, it's an impressive debut from a very gifted artist who has quickly gathered an international following' - Barfly 'Play this album LOUD. In a world obsessed with electronica and clever postproduction it is a relief to hear some honest 3 chord rock sung and played by an insightful writer and gifted musician, The lyrics touch on identity, loss, alchohol, doomed love and ultimately yearning for a place which exists more in the mind than in any one geographical reality' - Crema Magazine 'Local singer/songwriter Kel has been traveling around the world these last few years, and her solo debut is a reflection of the vagabond's lifestyle. Drawing from a variety of influences, Kel is a diverse album ranging from radio pop, to alternative country and dark rock in a matter of 40 minutes. '15 Towns' is perhaps the albums highlight with it's railroad drumming and brooding chorus, summing up the travelers' isolation and wish for home. The song builds in momentum and peaks with a U2ish crescendo. 'My Best Friend Is Suicidal' beats around no bush as far as subject matter is concerned, while 'Leaving You' deals with alcoholism in a depressive. An artist to keep an eye on.' - The Soundmonitor 'What could be just another attempt by a girl with a guitar to sing about a broken heart, is actually a wonderful introduction to new Sydney artist KEL. A strong vocal sounding somewhere between Dido and Oh Susanna, some really great songwriting and exceptional production make this debut one to keep in the Jukebox. With 'Leaving You' and '15 towns' as the highlights, the overall tone of the album is unmistakably unique, combining soulful world weariness, with a craft lighter touch.' - The Buzz 'There are always great new artists surfacing from Australia and Kel is no exception. Kel's forte is her insightful lyrics which are backed by alt-country and indie-rock sensibilities - comparisons to Lucinda Williams & Kasey Chambers abound - which is fair enough.