Artist Review: Kris Orlowski, Believer
Artist: Kris Orlowski
Album: Believer
Genre: Folk / Pop
RIYL: The Wild Feathers, Pete Yorn, Matt Nathanson, Coldplay
Kris Orlowski is a man. And a band. Specifically, Kris Orlowski is the frontman for the Kris Orlowski band. A quintet out of Seattle that has up until now released three successful EPs, garnered a good chunk of tv and movie placement and developed something of a steady following in the Pacific Northwest. But it seems that being known as one of the most reliably energetic and generally affable acts in that region just isn’t enough; now the band has gone and released a long-anticipated full-length album, Believer.
Orlowski, the man, has an easy way about him; smooth vocals, charged stage presence and a good energy that comes across both live and captured on record. Orlowski’s lyrical style is candid, sincere and charming; and the rest of the players follow suit with a potent array of instrumentation that provides a richness and depth to each of the songs on Believer. This translates into a tapestry of melodies and harmonies that intertwine and fall away naturally throughout the record. And it makes for a great listen.
“All My People” is the perfect opener for this record, showcasing Orlowski’s strong vocals and gift for harmonies that continues to build and push the emotion forward. The title track follows suit, leaning in with a slightly edgier vibe executed with precision and passion by all the players. It’s about the time that “Carolina” hits that the record really begins to hit its stride. Full of imagery, memorable melody and lush harmonies, “Carolina” is a home run on a strong album. “Slide” moves slowly but surely just as the title indicates, all smooth transitions and languid guitars and vocals.
“Stone By Stone” is another intimate and wonderfully constructed tune delivered in Orlowski’s husky baritone matched with beautifully timed harmonies. “Mountains,” like its counterparts on Believer, employs a contemplative and encouraging tone. There’s both a reflection and hopefulness that comes across loud and clear through each song; and “Mountains,” in this respect, really feels like it’s reaching for more. There’s a cinematic and anthemic quality here and exhibited on the feverishly intense “Youth.”
I’ve come to expect a certain quality of songwriting from Kris Orlowski. There’s a rare air about an artist who can engage listeners so quickly and completely both on stage and in the studio. It’s an intangible thing; and there’s a certain kind of magic surrounding it. This ability to connect is mesmerizing, and incredibly satisfying as a fan. With Believer, Kris Orlowski has fashioned a set of songs that is only upstaged by the charismatic performance of its frontman.
Kris Orlowski website: http://www.krisorlowski.com/
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_kris_orlowski_believer)
Album: Believer
Genre: Folk / Pop
RIYL: The Wild Feathers, Pete Yorn, Matt Nathanson, Coldplay
Kris Orlowski is a man. And a band. Specifically, Kris Orlowski is the frontman for the Kris Orlowski band. A quintet out of Seattle that has up until now released three successful EPs, garnered a good chunk of tv and movie placement and developed something of a steady following in the Pacific Northwest. But it seems that being known as one of the most reliably energetic and generally affable acts in that region just isn’t enough; now the band has gone and released a long-anticipated full-length album, Believer.
Orlowski, the man, has an easy way about him; smooth vocals, charged stage presence and a good energy that comes across both live and captured on record. Orlowski’s lyrical style is candid, sincere and charming; and the rest of the players follow suit with a potent array of instrumentation that provides a richness and depth to each of the songs on Believer. This translates into a tapestry of melodies and harmonies that intertwine and fall away naturally throughout the record. And it makes for a great listen.
“All My People” is the perfect opener for this record, showcasing Orlowski’s strong vocals and gift for harmonies that continues to build and push the emotion forward. The title track follows suit, leaning in with a slightly edgier vibe executed with precision and passion by all the players. It’s about the time that “Carolina” hits that the record really begins to hit its stride. Full of imagery, memorable melody and lush harmonies, “Carolina” is a home run on a strong album. “Slide” moves slowly but surely just as the title indicates, all smooth transitions and languid guitars and vocals.
“Stone By Stone” is another intimate and wonderfully constructed tune delivered in Orlowski’s husky baritone matched with beautifully timed harmonies. “Mountains,” like its counterparts on Believer, employs a contemplative and encouraging tone. There’s both a reflection and hopefulness that comes across loud and clear through each song; and “Mountains,” in this respect, really feels like it’s reaching for more. There’s a cinematic and anthemic quality here and exhibited on the feverishly intense “Youth.”
I’ve come to expect a certain quality of songwriting from Kris Orlowski. There’s a rare air about an artist who can engage listeners so quickly and completely both on stage and in the studio. It’s an intangible thing; and there’s a certain kind of magic surrounding it. This ability to connect is mesmerizing, and incredibly satisfying as a fan. With Believer, Kris Orlowski has fashioned a set of songs that is only upstaged by the charismatic performance of its frontman.
Kris Orlowski website: http://www.krisorlowski.com/
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_kris_orlowski_believer)
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