Kat McDowell – Kat (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

October 23, 2007 by Dennis Amith 

Musically pleasing, awesome vocals and definitely one of the few avex-related  Artists with international appeal

ARTIST: Kat McDowell

ALBUM: kat

LABEL: Rhythm REPUBLIC

CATALOG #: RRCD-85350

DURATION: 20:08

Released on May 9, 2007

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1. Butterfly
2. Nagoriyuki
3. Are you living?
4. REAL
5. Home

Kat McDowell is a musician based in Japan and similar to other hapa artists in Japan similar to other Avex Entertainment artists OLIVIA and ANNA TSUCHIYA and is from New Zealand.

Her musical influences include Incubus, Switchfoot, Angie Stone, Goo Goo dolls, Sting and Maroon5 and she was inspired by Japanese singer Iruka who sung the famous folk song “Nagoriyuki” win which singers/songwriter covers in her latest mini-album “Kat” released by Avex’s independent label Rhythm REPUBLIC.

As a talented singer/songwriter, Kat McDowell’s first mini-album is definitely a pleasing album that I really enjoyed listening to. With her covering “Nagoriyuki” which was chosen as iTunes Japan song of the week back in April 2007, a limited edition LP version of the song was released and sold out in two days and was top of the vinyl charts in Japan.

“Kat” features a balance of rock/pop with each song featuring a balance of English and Japanese lyrics.

The mini album kicks off with “Butterfly”which features vocals and music by Kat. Featuring a hybrid English/Japanese lyrics that describes a feeling of happiness (flying high) with the person you love.

The second track is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album “Nagoriyuki” which is a classic folk song written by Shozo Ise and originally sung by Iruka, McDowell gives the song a good balance of Japanese and English lyrics. Overall, a beautifully sung track that is catchy and addictive.

The third track “Are you living?” features a more rock driven track as the song utilizes more electric guitar and percussion.  The track is primarily in English with some lines in Japanese and is a positive song about moving forward and leaving any troubles from the past behind.

The fourth track “REAL” is a mellower, rock track featuring music and lyrics by McDowell. The track is all-English and is about a person who tries to be someone else and the person who cares about them wanting them to be “real” and not fake.

The fifth and final track “Home” is a slower tempo track featuring music and all-English lyrics by Kat. The song is about a person who will be at one’s side when they are in need and taking them home where they belong.
Overall, “Kat” is a pretty solid mini-album debut for the Rhythm Republic artist.

In a way, Kat McDowell’s music reminded me a little bit of classic BONNIE PINK but with a Bohemian or even surf-like vibe as the music features a utilization of acoustic guitar in combination with McDowell’s beautiful vocals and Japanese and English lyric usage in the music. But McDowell manages to have her own style and showcase her musical style and songwriting which shines brightly on this album.  Arrangement is typically McDowell on acoustic guitar and her band which are drums, bass and electric guitar. The songs definitely showcases McDowell’’s ability to sing in Japanese and English, showcase her songwriting talent and also guitar playing.

Even more impressive is her vocals which is passionately beautiful and you embrace her music immediately.

The CD insert includes the lyrics for the songs included on the mini-album and a letter of introduction by Fuku Ryuu of happy dragon, inc. Also, a mini-flier for upcoming binyl records releases.

Overall, a solid mini-album and I definitely look forward to hearing more of Kat McDowell’s music and see how the label continues to promote her.

Highly recommended!

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