Every track on this album is lovely.
That’s the best way I can describe Morly‘s ‘Til I Start Speaking. On it, Katy Morley explores themes of self-empowerment, love, and introspection. None of it is maudlin. It’s all gorgeous ballads and sultry beats.
The title track (parts 1 and 2) opens the record, beginning with softly rising synths and subdued vocal sounds that build into a sexy jam. The subtle piano chords of “Dance to You” melt like a candle next to a warm, luxurious bathtub as Morley sings lyrics like “I can’t stop listening to this tape you played me the night you took my hand and whispered, come on let’s pretend we’re in love.”
That torch song piano returns on “Sleeping in My Own Bed,” a song about Morley missing her lover (“Only dreams to keep me warm.”), but knowing she’ll be happy and comfortable sleeping at her own place and enjoying the good time she had. The gospel-influenced backing vocals on “Wasted” are a great touch in a song that almost could be a praise of the Lord Almighty as much as a lover.
“Twain Harte” starts with breathy, nearly acapella vocals from Morley until they’re joined by simple, soft piano key strokes and some more gospel touches (organ, backing hums). The guitar on “Up Above” is like something out of a dreamy, classic country bar that only seems to exist in fun roadtrip movies. “I don’t know what I’ve been doing lately,” Morley sings n the opening of “Jazz Angel (Bill).” It’s the kind of song that makes you pause and take a look around at what’s happening – something we all need to do now and then.
“Savior Mind Tattoo” has both an intriguing title and an intriguing sound, mixing what sounds like vibraphone with a brush-stroked snare drum and that soft piano that mixes so well with Morley’s voice. “Where were you the night when I wasn’t sleeping?”, Morley asks on “Superlunar” – a song about longing and what comes after that longing is quenched. The closing track, “Eilogy,” adds some trip hop beats to the mix for good measure as Morley sings about heartbreak and making amends.
The whole album is like a caress from a lover you think about making a life with, but you’re not sure if doing such a thing would screw up what you have. You feel like you’ll both be okay with the few moments you have, but, still, like Morley, you wonder…
Keep your mind open
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[Thanks to Patrick at Pitch Perfect PR.]
