Album Review

Laura St Jude – Fatal EP

• 5th Nov 2012

Last week I was handed a CD. Now this happens to me fairly often when I tell people that I write for Glasswerk – it’s a rather nice perk. And it would have been rude not to have a listen wouldn’t it? So I did.

That turned out to be a very good decision, as I found that Scottish singer songwriter Laura St Jude is a talented performer. The four original folk/ pop tracks on her EP are well crafted, musically tight and sung beautifully in a strong voice which has real depth and a fine range.

Visions Of Truth is a mid paced track with Ms St Jude backed by an acoustic guitar and a strong bass that marks time, as well as subtle percussion. The production is good and the musical accompaniment allows her voice to shine. With an even and passionate vocal delivery, rising every now and then for emphasis, this is a tender love song. Always On The Run is slower with a wistful tone, dripping with sorrow. Again the vocals are emotional and bring the song to life nicely.

The title track Fatal starts slowly before the music rises then falls. The vocals are softer and have a dramatic emphasis that engages. There is just a hint towards the end of the vocal power that St Jude possesses, and her tone control is good. Escape Route again has a deliberate style of singing that really accentuates the lyrics. There is a theatrical quality to the track, an intensity that creates a story from the words.

Laura St Jude is a new name to me, and with this EP she shows a real promise of good things to come. Her songwriting is expressive and emotional and she possesses a fine voice to deliver her words with some style.

Venue: Fatal EP
Support Band: Oligo Records