Artist Feature; Natalie McCool
Natalie McCool’s latest single ‘Wind Blows Harder’ is another hauntingly beautiful release from the singer/songwriter.
Winner of Female Artist of the Year award at last year’s Liverpool Music Awards, Natalie McCool is gaining further success since the release of her debut self-titled album and recent follow-up single. Having also received a one-to-one songwriting session with Paul McCartney back in 2009, there is undeniably something special about the LIPA-educated singer/songwriter, which has continued to blossom since.
Last year’s album is a showcase of her talents: a collection of dreamy lyrics and captivating vocals. There is a whimsical quality about album-opener ‘America’, which really hangs onto the attention of the listener as if it is a song of mystery that needs to be unravelled.
Single ‘Thin Air’ ft. Bernard Butler begins with a marching beat but McCool’s voice cuts through it, heavy with emotion and feeling. The accompanying video personifies the singer’s haunting style as she traverses across woodlands and enters the decaying urban environment. She is never more beautiful than when she is surrounded by nature; her songs are simple but powerful without ever becoming over-complicated.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG3yhDrDC2M]
‘Black Sun’ sees McCool’s voice waver between soft and strong, carrying over the guitar and techno beats, making it a rather empowering song. ‘Dust & Coal’ is calmer, concentrating on the rises and falls of the singer’s vocals proving that she cannot be fitted into just one genre of music but has the capability to surpass other singers perhaps and achieve both mainstream and more easy-listening styles.
Newest single ‘Wind Blows Harder’ is a return to a natural setting in the official music video. The animal-masked figures fit with McCool’s otherworldly aura. It is catchy, rippling with the singer’s delicate tones and the thudding beats. It is clear why the song has already received successful press on a global sphere since it’s release at the start of June, with McCool’s name catapulting in French lifestyle magazine ‘les in Rocks’ amongst others.
Her lyrics are original and compelling and there is no doubt that future releases will live up to her imaginatively intricate style. McCool is set to play at the International Music Festival in August.
To keep up to date with the McCool’s releases and gig dates follow her Facebook & Twitter. To listen to her album and new single check out her Soundcloud. The début album can be purchased through her Official Website.
Tilly Martin
