Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Karin Page, Independent 2019
Walk Away is the debut album for independent artist, Karin Page and it’s great.
The album was produced by Jordan Power, who has worked with Kasey Chambers and Angus Stone, and he’s expertly blended blues, roots and country into an alluring mix that highlights Karin’s very good songs and captivating voice.
The album opener, Box, sets the tone with an up-tempo country rock track that shares quite a bit of DNA with Paul Kelly’s Darling it Hurts (To See you Down In Darlinghurst Tonight).
Karin is new to me, but her inclinations are country-based rather than pop/rock. However, the first single, Box, reveals that she can belt out a rocker with the best of them.
On Box she shares the vocals with the wonderful Ash Grunwald, who also appears on Loving Man.
Karin has written seven of the 10 tracks on the album and co-written the others.
The second single, Jessie, was a co-write with the outstanding songwriter, Kevin Bennett. Shame was a co-write with Emily Smith, and Time Travelling Gypsy a co-write with Muscle Shoals (USA) gospel piano player, Mark Narmore.
There is a delightfully eclectic mix of musical genres on the disc including a great Motown feel to the track Under My Skin.
Indeed, what is impressive about this album is Karin’s versatility.
Karin’s songs range in subject matter from standing up for yourself in the song, Jessie, the value of letting go in the title track, Walk Away, true love in Kings And Queens and Loving Man, and social media in the track Lonely Night.
Karin has already collected an impressive array of awards including the 2016 Star Maker title, 2017 WA Country Music Awards for both Female Artist of The Year and Songwriter of The Year, and 2018 WA Country Music Awards for the Single of The Year, Video of The Year, and she topped it off with the People’s Choice Award.
I’m a supporter of independent musicians – it’s a tough business to be in – but Karin possesses all the qualities to succeed. Give this album a listen.
