Phoebe Katis is a singer songwriter now based in New York City, USA, but she has a bit of a local connection too, having attended Leeds University. She has just released her fourth studio album, a collection of eight introspective, poetic tracks called To Feel The Rain.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by James Jin (NYC)
Approaching thirty, Phoebe has been feeling some of the malaise that comes with that time in our lives. It seems a chapter is ending and the next one is uncertain, particularly in today’s modern world where the smallest thing can feel like everything and everything can feel too large to grasp.
Phoebe ponders on these themes throughout To Feel The Rain, be it the idea of self-belief in Manifesto or the rousing This Is It, or heartache such as in Take Care or Until Next Time. It all kicks off with a gentle, instrumental mediation. Time To Wake III is a beautifully ambient introduction to Phoebe’s world and mindset.
While her instrumentals are enchanting, the true star of the show is Phoebe’s expressive vocals and her lyrics, which feel at once confessional and universal. There are voices that you instantly warm to and that’s Phoebe’s. They become even more beautiful when paired with fellow musician, and member of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s Jon Baptiste’s ensemble, Louis Cato, in the soulful, philosophical Always Be Around. It’s an album highlight.
The album’s second half kicks off with A Good Thing, a hauntingly atmospheric ballad with country folk leanings. It’s another highlight. Until Next Time follows. Piano-led, it best demonstrates Phoebe’s proficiency on the instrument for which she’s renowned in song writing circles. The album’s title track closes it. It wraps up the album’s themes nicely, while also elevating Phoebe’s sound and providing a suitable climax.
Phoebe Katis is no stranger to success when it comes to her music. In 2014 she wrote theme of BAFTA award-winning film Kilo Two Bravo and her previous three albums have been warmly-received. To Feel The Rain shows she’s not resting on her laurels, though. Expansive, emotive but most of all authentic, it’s a collection that will both warm and break your heart. You can give the whole album a listen below.
