Girl at the Rock Shows

It’s been a crazy couple of days, and honestly, I started this review last week but could not find the time to put the finishing touches on this review. Part of it was stress and the amount of traveling I’ve been doing lately, but the other part is the fact that, once I finish this review, it closes the book on Kat Steih’s ‘I Am Not My Self.’ Don’t get me wrong, I know I can go back and listen to this whenever I want to, even when this post is all buttoned up and in your social media feed, but it was truly just so hard to leave Kat’s world and I truly believe that, after just one listen to this brilliant release, you will feel the same way.

This six-song EP opens up with the anthemic and powerful track “Secrets.” I love the way this opening track catches you with a super powerful opening before letting Kat Steih’s soothing yet oh-so-lively vocals take over. Really, this is not a super intense jam or a track with a super infectious chorus or anything like that, but it hooked me nonetheless. There’s something so warm and comforting about Kat’s vocals, and the way the band truly enhances that vibe is perfect. I honestly can not understate the power that comes throughout this song, and I love the way that power translates without being anything short of beautiful. It’s not aggressive or angsty, yet it evokes such a passionate response from the listener. It’s truly a gorgeous way to kick off an album.

“Baby” is the second track on this album, and I instantly loved the almost surf punk vibe that takes over here. It’s such a stark contrast when compared to “Secrets,” but it works so perfectly. Kat’s vocals stay warm and soothing but bring a bit more of an attitude to the table in a way that only Kat could. The instrumentation takes a turn for something a bit more punky, but I wouldn’t call this a punk song. Call it garage-rock, call it art-leaning-alt-rock, call it what you want, “Baby” is a bop that will instantly get stuck in your head.

The title track on this album May be quick at just under two minutes long, but it’s a mighty song that instantly turned into a personal anthem of sorts for me. This punky and punchy track is very tongue-in-cheek when it comes to the vocals and the way they are delivered, but that’s what makes this song so perfect. It’s raw and full of grit yet somehow has that same comforting and warm feeling that is a true specialty of Kat Steih. If you’re looking for an anthem to get you going, get your blood pumping, and get that feeling of power back in your heart, “I Am Not My Self” is the track for you.

The spoken word intro for ‘Jam Jar’ caught me off guard, but that surprise quickly turned into charm as the song continued. This is a super ‘artsy’ track with the composition. It’s so out of left field compared to the previous three songs and has an almost Broadway musical quality to it, but it’s 100% charming and 100% fun. The creative layers that make up this song are so intriguing that, even after three playthroughs, I find myself lost for words and left with nothing but a smile on my face and a pep in my step after hearing this song. In short, if you need something quirky and fun, ‘Jam Jar’ is the track for you.

“Take Me” is the only song on this album with an explicit warning attached to it, so, obviously, this piqued my interest because, as you know, once an angsty teenager, always an angsty teenager. Angst is the name of the game on this fifth track. Although Kat’s vocals remain in the spotlight throughout this track and honestly stay a bit smokier and calmer than I had expected, this song is a true rager full of ups and downs of emotions and dynamics that are so easy to get lost in.

This all too-quick six-song EP ends with “Alone” and, honestly, it left me feeling alone but in the best way possible. This entire EP has been such a rollercoaster ride, with each song seemingly taking me on a different ride of contrasting emotions and feelings, but the way “Alone” leads you back into the real world after this insane journey is beautiful. This is a slow and steady song with a very soulful energy behind it. You don’t get that angst and grit from Kat’s vocals like you did in some of the previous songs, but instead, you get more of this almost lullaby tone from her. Don’t be fooled; there is still no denying the power of this final track, and there are definitely twists, turns, and surprises scattered throughout this five-and-a-half-minute track, so don’t just listen to the first couple of seconds and move on. Like this album as a whole, “Alone” demands to be listened to fully and with your whole heart.

It took me quite a while to review this album, but, as mentioned, that’s more because I knew that when I finished this all up, it would mean it’s time to obsess and go into a deep dive on another album, another artist, when the truth is, I never want to leave Kat Steih’s world. Take a listen to this gorgeous EP and get lost just like I did, but buckle up. This is a hell of a ride in all of the right ways.

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