Have you been looking for a lazy day album? You know, the kind you play on a rainy (or snowy) day, when you just feel like relaxing and letting the world slip by? Then, oh boy, do I have the album for you. Ontario-born Kate Rogers is on her A-game here in her third album titled Beauregard. One part Feist, one part off-beat folk, this indie-pop songstress recently broke off from her UK label Grand Central Records to set off on her own. This seems to have worked to her advantage, since this is the best album she has recorded to date. Every track is rocked by her powerhouse vocals, while the melodies bounce back and forth between the realms of light jazz and bluesy folk. This is also the first time she has recorded an album under the name Kate Rogers Band, and her band makes all the difference. Her guitarists, Matt Bannister and David Dunlap, manage to accompany her voice almost perfectly for a very soothing effect. Plus, no two tracks sound alike. From the odd organ riffs of “Silent Movie” to the beautiful keyboards on “WowBox.” I’d recommend this CD to anyone who has a lasting love of the likes of Feist, or anyone who just needs a little time to chill out after exams. Either way, I’m extremely happy to see Miss Rogers returning to Canada to give us a wonderful album, and the chance to further enjoy her talents. (Independent, www.katerogers.net) Holden Bunko
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989