CD Review – Christian Kane EP – Christian Kane

14 years ago Liv Carter 11

‘Christian Kane EP’ – Christian Kane (Bigger Picture Group, 2010)

Christian Kane has always struck me as an artist who chooses his work carefully. Whether it be acting or music, he seems to have picked projects he believed in, not just those who were the shortest route to fame. Maybe because of this, I feel that the Christian I listen to now is the same guy as all those years ago when I first heard his music. Aristic integrity and no making compromises are still part of the package and clearly I’m not the only one to appreciate that – within hours of its release the EP made it into the top 5 country albums on iTunes.

The EP opens with ‘American Made’, a blazing country-rock tune which pays homage to all things homegrown. Blast this through the speakers on a warm summer’s day drive as a remedy for any bad mood.
 
‘The House Rules’ is a fan favorite and I was pleased to see it included. I have heard several versions of this one over the years and this bass-heavy incarnation is about as tight as it gets. And rule #7 still makes me smile!

Don’t look for references to ‘the little woman’ here. Christian’s songs have always had strong female characters who know what they want and are not afraid to ask for it. Foot-stomper ‘Whiskey In Mind’ continues this trend. Though, the first time I heard this song, I didn’t hear a description of a chance encounter but rather the story of a married couple playing out their fantasy in a bar.

The unhurried ‘Making Circles’ describes an unhealthy relationship neither is prepared to leave and its nicely juxtaposed by closer ‘Let Me Go’; a romantic tale in which both sides are given a voice and it features quite possible Christian’s best vocal performance. 

The swear words and reference to getting high means country radio will not go within a mile of this record. Christian knows this, but he does it anyway and it adds to the songs’ (and his) authenticity. With a good beat, Christian’s incredible voice, lots of guitars and plenty of fiddle and steel, this EP can take its place among the best of today’s country-rock.     

The Christian Kane EP is ‘a country, a little soul, it’s a rock ‘n’ roll rodeo’  and it comes with a big UCB seal of approval!

Pick up your copy via your iTunes, Amazon, or Christian’s website if you’re overseas.

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Liv Carter

Liv Carter

Liv is a career coach for creatives, and the people who work with them.
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
Liv Carter

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