NEWS
20/06/11 Guitar & Bass Magazine Review June 2011
KATY LIED
WINTER LIGHTNING
Fine vocals from Katie Harnett add a welcome depth to this airy, light-rocking affair, and while the slick production places it firmly in the mainstream, it's a shoe that fits.
20/06/11 GUITAR TECHNIQUES June 2011 Issue
KATY LIED
WINTER LIGHTNING
★★★
Any new recording by Katy Lied allows guitarist Duncan Hamilton to exploit his vast collection of guitars. He has an impressive five Fender Electric Xlls from 1965/66 to choose from, at a time when finding one at all is difficult. The trick is to know which of his many vintage instruments is right for a particular track, but it's this careful choice of guitars that ensures each one has a special sound quality. And from the opening chunky rhythm of Drivin'The Miles, a strong MOR rock number, the scene is set with the ever truthful Katie Harnett giving great vocal performances. As with many rock material featuring female vocals, there are elements of Heart present, but the songs are strong and with enough individuality to stand out. Duncan is not a solo grabber; there are relatively few here and they tend to be short and precise, but this is exactly right for the band.
20/06/11 ACOUSTIC Magazine Review
Katy Lied
WINTER LIGHTNING
The cover painting of the third album by roots rockers Katy Lied shows a tiger slouching down a night-time city street overgrown with leaves, backlit by a bolt of forked lightning. It's a suitably dramatic image that perfectly complements their music. The album opens with 'Drivin The Miles', a sort of 21 st-century distant cousin to Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Travelin' Band'. The band rock solidly, while vocalist Harnett delivers a spirited performance that brings to mind some of Grace Slick's better moments. This is music that's constantly driving forward. Music to listen to on a road trip. The album's highlights are the cheeky and catchy country rocker 'Go Too Far' and the Sonic Youth-inspired 'Never Gonna Run'.
Gareth L Powell
20/06/11 Entertainment Focus Review Published 11-06-2011
Katy Lied
WINTER LIGHTNING
Katy Lied first came to the world's attention in 2008 with the release of their single Late Arrival. Comprising of guitarist/songwriter Duncan Hamilton, singer Katie Harnett, drummer Paul Burgess and bassist Jo Wadeson, the band came together naturally after recording together in the studio. With two albums already under their belt the band is on the verge of releasing their third album Winter Lightning. Winter Lightning is a collection of 11 tracks that the band pulled together whilst on a creative high. The recording of the album happened very quickly but that has no reflection on the end quality of the songs; every track here deserves its place on the record and sounds superb. Opening with Drivin' The Miles, a song that has been compared to Creedence Clearwater Revival's Travelin' Band, Katy Lied reintroduce themselves with a strong start.
Over the course of the record Katy Lied showcase their tightly crafted melodies, honest lyrics and natural synergy. From the heavy bass of Wrong Turn to the acoustic feel of Holding Pattern, the band effortlessly adapt to the variety of sounds they showcase. The uptempo Never Gonna Run is strong enough to be a future single whilst the live sound of Town Went Cold Of Me suggests the band could easily pull off an acoustic tour. One Sweet Kiss is one of the early standout tracks with vocalist Katie Harnett's gorgeous voice commanding your attention. In the middle of the record the band performs the title track acappella further showcasing Katie's distinctive vocal ability.
Winter Lightning is a solid effort from the talented foursome. Katy Lied should see their profile continue to rise with the release of this record. We love discovering new music and if you're a fan of female singer-songwriters than we suggest you check this record out. Winter Lightning is a record that surprises you, pulls you in and begs you to listen to it over and over again.
Pip Ellwood
20/06/11 Published in the June 2011 issue of Roots and Branches/Brum Beat:
KATY LIED
Winter Lightning (Own Label)
A third album, a third line up, but, still fronted by Katie Harnett, driven by songwriter guitarist Duncan Hamilton, and with Nigel Stonier in the producer's chair (and co-writing), the music remains the same, and stronger. That'll be American influenced, country streaked 80s ringing guitar pop then, with a list of influences they wouldn't dream of denying. Drivin' The Miles is pure Katrina and the Waves, Best Mistake and the bass throbbing Never Gonna Run nod to Stevie Nicks, Wrong Turn and the more country One Sweet Kiss recall Heart, Go To Far takes The Pretenders to Nashville, and Holding Pattern (co-written by Beeb Birtles of Little River Band) suggests Mary Chapin Carpenter. Winter Lightning may also well remind you of Thea Gilmore, not least because she provides harmony vocals on the earlier a capella version, the voices blending together beautifully.
There's also some rather fine moody cello work from Liz Hanks on the bluesy Town Went Cold On Me, and a well deserved showcase alongside Natalie Dudman on violin for the string arrangement instrumental reprise of One Sweet Kiss.
Unlikely to make any bigger waves here than the previous two albums, but if they can spent a few months touring the States they could well come home as conquering heroes.
Mike Davies
08/06/11 Winter Lightning gets 5 star Review in R2 Rock N Reel Magazine.
The new album from Katy Lied received a glowing 5 star review in the May/June Issue of R2 Rock N Reel Magazine. In addition there is a free Katy Lied track on the covermount CD that comes with this magazine ... Two good reasons to buy a copy!
KATY LIED
★★★★★
Winter Lightning
I was in the car when I first heard this album and opening track ‘Drivin' The Miles' is surely the best driving song written in twenty years. I had the opposite of a ‘stop the car moment', put my foot down and let some beautiful countryside fly by way too fast while singing the chorus at the top of my voice. This is remarkable in itself for a first listen, but what followed left my heart bursting at its seams with raucous rock, wildly uplifting and optimistic pop, beautiful and considered ballads leaving me wanting more. When the album finished I felt slightly disappointed but this feeling was rapidly replaced with joy. I, of course, merely reached for the Repeat button.
There is nothing contrived about this music. It is the sound of a band rejoicing in the freedom of expression and making the very best album they possibly can. Winter Lightning grasps the musical nettle and never lets go. It is short, sweet, and completely satisfying. From the strident opener to the closing 'secret' track featuring the purr and meow of Gizmo the cat, this album is a perfect and genuinely rewarding listen.
Eddie Cooney
08/06/11 Winter Lightning gets a 3 star review in the July 2011 issue of Q Magazine (out now):
The unseasonally-named third album from English roots-rockers KATY LIED, Winter Lightning (self-released, www.katylied.com, HHH) is a step up from their previous efforts. A year of solid touring has gelled the band into a formidable force, rocking out on opener Drivin' The Miles or Never Gonna Run, but equally confident to be more playful on the country-ish Go Too Far or truly heartfelt on the closing title track. Chilly for this time of year, though.
28/05/11 On Thursday 9th June 2011 Katy Lied will be appearing Live on BBC Radio Lancashire on the Late Show with John Barnes
28/05/11 On Friday 10th June 2011 the band will be appearing Live on BBC Radio Merseyside on the Billy Butler Show.
08/04/11 MAVERICK MAGAZINE Give Winter Lightning a five star review!
Katy Lied
WINTER LIGHTNING
Independent
★★★★★
Katy Lied have won me over again, this time sounding much more confident about their sound and their goals as a band and armed with a collection of songs that are just outstanding...
WINTER LIGHTNING is Katy Lied's third studio album and these emerging roots-rockers have really upped the ante! Placing a focus on strong lyrical values and a sense of independence, this record is a reason for celebration. As the band continue to gain followers, many will be new to their fierce and vibrant sound. Katy Lied first entered the public listening stadium with LATE ARRIVAL released in 2008 and now with a line-up of guitarist and songwriter Duncan Hamilton, lead singer Katie Harnett, drummer Paul Burgess and bassist Joe Wadeson, the band have been gigging solidly for twelve months to raise their profile.
Boasting a tougher collection of songs and flaunting a stripped-back sound, this band are clearly all on the same page now more than ever before. The gelling between band members, Katie's position as lead singer is now cemented and definitely carries the band forward. The songs here have come together organically, especially Best Mistake, a song that was bought together when Hamilton and Burgess were jamming onstage waiting for a sound engineer to arrive. The country rocker Go Too Far definitely stands out, while the opening Drivin' The Miles sets the tone for the entire record about riding out your time and keeping yourself open to what comes along. The title track sung acappella is stunning, featuring Thea Gilmore on harmony vocals; it's an inspirational showcase and the song is beautifully written and a simple but honest depiction of seeing the person you love and knowing that what you're going through right now is only temporary. One Sweet Kiss (reprise) is a wonderfully crafted instrumental track of just over a minute long, featuring moving strings and a sad almost mournful undertone that symbolises something ending and something new about to arise from the storm. Never Gonna Run opens the second section of the album, a ballsy tune with a heavy pattern to it and a strong vocal from Katie that explores a need to get out but a determination to stay. Track nine Town Went Cold On Me is a softer track, intense and focused and harnessing Katie's soulful abilities as a vocalist, and tells a story of someone being left behind or cheated on and feeling like the whole world knows about it and has taken sides. This record is one of outstanding quality,radiance and vitality—as a vocalist Katie masters these songs, as a songwriter Duncan Hamilton takes gold for his intriguing and curious connection with words and the musicianship is of extreme value to the success of this record. Katy Lied have now taken it to the next level...
Laura Bethell
06/04/11 Our new single NEVER GONNA RUN is available now at all these places and more!
AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Gonna-Run-Radio-Edit
iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/never-gonna-run-radio-edit
Juno:
http://www.junodownload.com/products/never-gonna-run
Play.com
http://www.play.com/Music/MP3-Download-Track/4-/19164823/Never-Gonna-Run
04/04/11 Winter Lightning Reviewed in Blues Matters
Are you ready? Get set! Go. This new album wastes no time getting out of the
starting blocks. 'Drivin' The Miles', 'Best Mistake' have that instant accessibility
to them through catchy lyrics and fine melodies that have you very quickly
singing along with Katie Harnett's vocals. The third album from the band,
following on from 2009's "Echo Games" and the excellent debut "Late Arrival"
the previous year, is jammed packed with top tunes from the penmanship of
guitarist/songsmith Duncan Hamilton. I like the production values that Nigel
Stonier and his team have brought to the party. They have coaxed a
thoroughly fine album Katie and Duncan plus bassist Jo Wadeson and drummer
Paul Burgess. I love 'Go To Far' which has a sound and feel that has a Mary
Chapin Carpenter country tinge to it. There are two versions of the title track
both radically different. The first is acappella with the added vocal talents Thea
Gilmore and it is glorious. The second version closes out the album is rootsy
and whilst still simple it is like a completely different song. The other unusual
track on the album is a vocal free, string trio version of 'One Sweet Kiss'.
Again, very obviously different from the full production version also on the
album, it adds a touch of class. The heaviest cut on the CD is 'Never Gonna
Run' written with former Storys alumni Dai Smith and the band really let their
collective hair down. Having laid the groundwork via the first albums Katy Lied
have moved forward with a very strong raft of songs and, using these new
tracks as a platform, there is no reason why 2011 should not be a very
successful one for this talented outfit.
Graeme Scott
29/03/11 Winter Lightning Reviewed on FSR Roots Music Webzine
Absolutely nothing to do with Steely Dan, Katy Lied are an English rock band with an American heart and on this, their third album, they sound very much like they've got the bit between their teeth. There's been a few personnel changes already in their short career but the core four-piece they have on this album is reckoned to be their settled line-up and they certainly show every sign of having gelled nicely as a unit. Duncan Hamilton is the driving force, guitarist and chief songwriter, and in producer Nigel Stonier he has clearly found the ideal fifth band member. Nigel gets credits for co-writing and various instrumental contributions as well as the overall production so he seems to be the guiding hand who pulls it all together in the studio.
Katie Harnett is the voice of Katy Lied, and a very fine voice she has, too. When the band is in full-on storming rock mode she's right there leading the charge - there's echoes of the Roxette sound, I would say - but she can be warm and intimate, too, as when she's leading an acapella version of the title song with some nice harmonies from Duncan Hamilton and returning guest performer Thea Gilmore. The overall sound on this album is a bright and shiny chart-friendly driving rock with strong echoes of the 80s and 90s throughout. Songs like the album opener Drivin The Miles very much put me in mind of bands such as Heart and that template returns on several occasions, but they're clearly willing to stretch their sound. Duncan's jangly guitar makes several appearances to give a bit of a nod in the Nashville direction and the song Go Too Far sounds pretty much like Mary Chapin Carpenter in cruise control mode.
In contrast, Town Went Cold On Me has a very blues-y mood; the band go all late-night low key, Katie Harnett's vocal sounds a little bruised and Liz Hank's cello gives a very sombre air to the piece. They use strings quite a bit in fact, with the string section even getting a track to themselves on a reprised version of One Sweet Kiss. Lead single Never Gonna Run is easily the meatiest track here, driven along by a chugging bass that growls with menace and a drum rhythm that is as solid as they come; the vocal is bright and defiant but the real fury comes as the guitars build up to something of a firestorm. There's a relentless, take-no-prisoners attitude on this track that's pretty marvelous. There are other occasions where Duncan Hamilton is playing some screaming rock guitar, really cutting loose; however, there is always a modest constraint in the way his performance is used that refuses to let the guitar dominate. They've decided that this band is going to be characterised by their vocalist, first and foremost, and that's a very good thing.
With plenty of radio play and a Bob Harris session behind them already, chances are you'll be hearing quite a bit of these guys in the next months; they seem like a band in full flow, too, so I'm sure there'll be plenty more to come from Katy Lied as they explore the possibilities of the musical chemistry they've discovered.
John Davy
16/03/11 NEW ALBUM AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW
KATY LIED will be appearing live in session on BBC Radio Cambridge on Tuesday 12th April on the Sue Marchant show.
16/03/11 'WINTER LIGHTNING' Get Ready to Rock Review
KATY LIED Winter Lightning KLCD008 (2011)
Release date 30.05.11
Katy Lied
There's an old adage, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. And thankfully, despite a third line up change in three albums, Katy Lied continue to go from strength to strength. Formed back in 2006 after a chance meeting of founder members guitarist/songwriter Duncan Hamilton and vocalist Dan Britton, the band's debut album Late Arrival (2008) was an excellent folk based West Coast soft rock throwback (to better days) featuring drummer Paul Burgess (10cc, Icicle Works, Joan Armatrading) and Ian Thomson (Lindisfarne) on bass, with Nigel Stonier producing and co-writing.
While the loss of a lead vocalist might have been a death knell for many bands, the recruitment of Katie Harnett following the departure of Britton was an inspired move. Her vocals provided a whole new dimension to the band's sound on their follow up - Echo Games (2009) - another set packed with top notch crossover pop / rock numbers. Once again, Winter Lightning sees a personnel change, this time with Ian Thomson's departure and Jo Wadeson (ex Waterboys / Beth Orton) stepping in to take on bass duties. Elsewhere, though, it's 'as you were', although the set has altogether more cohesive feel.
And while yet again the Hamilton / Stonier soft rock song writing remains of the highest calibre, the crowning glory is the maturing vocals of Katie Harnett. With a delivery not far removed from that of Siobhan Maher (of the too short lived River City People), but with just a hint of Sharleen Spiteri, a smidgeon of Chrissie Hynde and a soupçon of Thea Gilmore, her voice is a gorgeous instrument full of purity, but at the same full of breathy sensuality.
It's hard to conceive that 2011 will throw up a better example of the genre, and in truth, Katy Lied deserve a much wider audience. It would be interesting to see what a top notch American West Coast producer could bring to the party (as Don Gehman did in shaping the River City People sound) because, with Fleetwood Mac all but 'out for the count', the soft rock / pop crossover crown is very much up for grabs.
And on the evidence of Winter Lightning, Katy Lied have all the necessary credentials to take it to the next level. Marvellous stuff.
****½
Review by Pete Whalley
http://www.getreadytorock.com/reviews2011/katy_lied3.htm
04/03/11 NEW ALBUM AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW
WINTER LIGHTNING the new album from KATY LIED is now available to pre-order from Amazon.
02/02/11 NEW SINGLE ON BBC Radio 2
Our new single NEVER GONNA RUN got it's first spin on BBC Radio 2 on the Alex Lester show on Friday 28th January! You have 2 days left on the listen again facility if you would like to hear the single check out what Alex said about us!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xhfrt
24/01/11 NEW SINGLE RELEASE
The new single from Katy Lied 'Never Gonna Run' is released on March 7th. It is the first single from the forthcoming album 'Winter Lightning'
20/01/11 LIVE SHOW ADDED - 19 February - The Basement Door Richmond Surrey
More info www.myspace.com/thebasementdoor
The Vineyard Church Basement
Off Hill Rise
Richmond,
TW10 6AQ