Intimate and vulnerable whilst adventurous and boundary-pushing, Someday, Now is the sound of Katy J Pearson stretching her sonic muscles.
Katy J Pearson returns with another indie folk record packed with gorgeous melody, lovesick melancholia and 80s-style pop sensibilities. Someday, Now was borne out of a period of creative burnout for KJP: she took time away from the industry to travel, relax and recharge her songwriting batteries before setting up with some Heavenly Records label mates in Rockfield Studios.
The record itself is quite wonderful: intimate and vulnerable whilst adventurous and boundary-pushing, it feels like Katy J Pearson is stretching her sonic muscles throughout Someday, Now. ‘Those Goodbyes’ and ‘Save Me’ are vintages slices of Katy J, but as with everything on Someday…, you can’t escape the feeling that everything here is a cut above. Her time away after years of writing and touring has seen KJP honing her craft; emerging from the cocoon with her huge talents bolstered by a greater sense of direction.
‘Maybe’ is a stellar cut amongst the quality on this record, evoking Tusk-era Fleetwood Mac through a chunky bassline and some expertly added synth parts. The same can be said of ‘Grand Final’, the record’s centrepiece. It grooves along nicely, driving drums and ethereal backing vocals are paired with crunchy guitarwork makes the number a bona-fide indie stomper, showcasing KJP’s ability to work indie classics amongst her softer work.
Someday, Now is genuinely such a lovely space to inhibit: it feels personal and sensitive amongst utterly gorgeous soundscapes. The production on this record is top drawer, which, when paired with Pearson’s fantastic vocal talent and songwriting prowess, makes for a triumph. ‘Long Range Driver’ snakes along with acoustic and synthy flare, ‘Constant’ is a Kate Bush-style ballad of the highest quality, allowing KJP’s vocals the space to soar.
The final act, ‘Someday’ is a brilliantly lovesick piano ballad and ‘Siren Song’ is a wonderfully minimalist piece before it blooms into a sensitive but driving banger. The entirety of Someday, Now is nothing short of joyous.
Throughout Someday, Now Katy J Pearson gives herself license to spread her wings sonically and vocally – the piece is a brilliant showcase of her abilities.
featured image: Katy J Pearson press
