For stalwart fans, Katy Hurt’s debut album has been a long time coming. And she knows it. Its title ‘Gimme a Break’ is a cheeky nod to its journey. Yet, brewed like a fine breakfast tea or percolated coffee, the time taken to release it has ensured a strong, rich flavour. Tasting as good as one imagined. Perhaps better.
Some of the songs will be familiar. Singles released over the last couple of years that are already staples of her catalogue. Others have made an appearance at various live performances while one or two arrive completely new. Opening track ‘Dreamers’ is one of those that proffers vague recognition but, by the end, is as memorable as her best material. With a catchy hook and roaring riffs ensuring the album gets off to a banging start.
Underneath this rock-infused starter is a theme that echoes through the record. The realities of what it means to pursue music as an independent artist in Britain today. It is by no means easy. But Katy remains “a believer”. So much is it a part of her identity that though she wishes “I could give you up / … you’re in my blood”. And as ‘Sounds Good in a Bar’ so deftly conveys, she is at peace with it. ‘Feather’ captures this sentiment so well. Taking the skeleton parts of pandemic single ‘Face to Face’ and imbuing it with emotional release. False narratives and expectations dissipating amidst blossoming violin and soaring piano.
This is one of a number of moments that transfix. Touching tracks like ‘Oh Girl’ and the album’s closer, ‘Seasons’, being gently sublime pieces of reflection and introspection. These are balanced with rousing records like ‘The Kiss’ and ‘Rather Be’ to ensure a mixed palette of emotions all marked by Katy’s signature style. This includes her powerfully versatile vocals and carefully-chosen guitar. Pedal steel, acoustic and electric weaving their way through and into each song. Conveying a wide range of influences, from classic rock to contemporary soul and modern country.
Katy Hurt is, like the best of her contemporaries, not bound by the walls of genre. Reaching out to create a sound that is uniquely hers. For those who have followed her a while, traces of such can be found on her last EP, ‘Unfinished Business’. On the title track, the words “I sure hope there’s more to this” became an unofficial anthem that has now, on this album, come to fruition. ‘Gimme a Break’ has been well worth the wait and is also worth savouring.
‘Gimme a Break’ is released on 23rd May 2025, and can be purchased, along with associated merch, at Katy’s online store here. She is also off on tour during June 2025, more info on which can be found here.
Featured Image (C) Katy Hurt
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