Album Review: Reggae pro Kirsty Rock amazes with debut album "Slow Burn"

Photo courtesy of Easy Star Records.

Unlike many professions where you complete schooling and training, then get a few years of experience and slowly increase your title, pay, or standing; there is not one set path to building a career as a music artist. Some artists get a big break from a TikTok video going viral, having song cover videos being seen by the right connected people, or by creating a grassroots fanbase from relentless touring. There is no perfect or best way to create a career recording and performing original music, however some of our favorite artists are the ones who began their careers working in the industry as songwriters, live performers, producers or session musicians. Modern examples are musical powerhouses the likes of Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, and Meghan Trainor. Such artists put in years as professional musicians honing their craft until finally pivoting this skill, connection, and experience towards their own careers as solo artists. Reggae music has a new artist that has followed this path, and her incredible debut album "Slow Burn" is a wonderful testament to her talent and musical ability.

Kirsty Rock began her musical journey in the 1990's Brooklyn Music Scene. This led to her performing as a vocalist on the 2003 Easy Star All-Stars' "Dub Side Of The Moon", an album that was a worldwide breakout hit for the then rising Easy Star Records. She began touring with the band, ultimately performing in over 30 countries. While on tour with the All Stars or her other band Trumystic, Kirsty allowed songs she was writing to grow organically and without pressure. With a collection of great songs, Rock began creating the debut record with some tracking at her Vermont home, then working with Grammy Nominated Matt Stein who helped produce them. Kirsty brought in her friends in the scene to collaborate on "Slow Burn", including members of Easy Star All-Stars, The Movement, and Burning Brass. This level of musicianship rings true on every song on the record both in the writing and the performances.

"Slow Burn" kicks off with the stellar track "Green Is". The song begins with a heavy reggae groove featuring catchy horn lines, well executed rhythms, and tasteful percussive elements that sit in the mix perfectly. Kirsty shows off her vocal ability immediately in the first verse, showcasing the tender side of her voice while teasing her vocal strength on particular notes. The bridge features well played acoustic guitars, leading to a verse where Rock layers beautiful vocal harmonies behind her lead. 

We particularly enjoyed "Like Water", a hypnotic and laid-back jam that enters with just an acoustic guitar and vocals. As the song progresses instruments are slowly added, including a well executed electric guitar that is able to add energy and drive without overpowering the other elements of the song. 

Rock teamed up with Ras Droppa for the upbeat tune "It's Not The Same". Horns, Keys, and Drums work together wonderfully to provide the backbeat of the song, while the bassline takes center stage giving the song a wonderful groove. Ras Droppa's drop is a great compliment to Kirsty's vocals, and the different chord progressions used keep the song interesting throughout. 

Following "It's Not The Same" is "The Feeling", a song with happy instrumentation and excellent songwriting with pop sensibility. Kirsty's lyricism points towards following the feeling of love, and her melodic choices inspire hope and joy. These feelings permeate through to the performances of the other musicians, creating a song that is sure to do well live in front of any audience.

We are very excited about Kirsty's new album and her career to come! We highly recommend giving it a listen :)

For more info on Kirsty's music go to www.kirstyrock.com

“The Feeling” by Kirsty Rock is the Daily Reggae Song of the Day.

By Chris Lawrie.