Indie artist Katie Herzig did eight years with Colorado band Newcomers Home, who together sold a respectable 15,000 copies of their four CDs. So she brings a certain competency to “Weightless,” her second solo release. But what she adds is her comfortable mastery of multiple instruments (guitars, banjo, drums, programming, whistles, and keys), her poetic touch as a lyricist, vocals that wander back and forth between husky and sweet, and skillfully unique arrangements. And of course, the mighty dose of quirk.
Herzig’s first solo album, “Watch Them Fall,” has had national TV play and has been well-received on NPR as well, and “Weightless” looks like it will follow. Her sound defies labels, but if pressed I’d describe it as indie-folk-pop. There’s a dreamy organic component that lifts it above standard fare, and her enchanting vocal qualities add to the general musical mystique. Lyrically, she takes the long way home, favoring allusion over a direct approach, but she manages still to cover the stuff of real life: misplaced affections, unfulfilled desires and purpose, and romantic fears. Very nicely done.
It was the second track, the whimsical “Sweeter Than This,” that first captivated me. Something about its whole grain sweetness, bouncing atop her husky tale of road/love joys, just wrapped its organic tendrils tightly around my heart and I was a-goner. Herzig brings a wonderfully warm lilting quality to her vocals, reminiscent at moments of Leigh Nash (the delightfully willful “Fools Gold”). Her arrangements are at all times thoughtful and perfectly executed (take note of the flying chorus of the lovely “Butterfly”). And her lyrics never fail to exhibit a certain spirited zest that I love (“The Offer,” melodic and warm).Standout track “Jenny Lynn” addresses the questions that can follow love rejected: “But it’s all okay/ I think you may have made the best mistake/ I think we’re made to give ourselves away/ ‘cause there’s no other way to live.” Again, “”Cause freedom is a naked heart that always dares to give/ a willingness to let the tenderness be taken as it may.”
Some tracks are full-on passion (“Not Even Close”), others more mysterious (the quiet title track). Rich sonic touches are scattered liberally throughout, like lovely daisies. Dreamy, poetic, and richly gifted, Katie Herzig offers up a wonderful journey with “Weightless.” The title says it all perfectly.
