Caitlin Krisco and the Broadcast released their new EP, “Blueprints,” on August 16th. There is also a UK tour on the way that we include information on at the back end of this review.
After the unexpected death of her mother in 2023, Blueprints is an introspective reflection on the waves of emotion that follow such a loss. Caitlin Krisko delivers soaring melodies while simultaneously pouring her soul into the center spotlight of the album. Gut-wrenching ballads like “Haunted By You,” performed to near perfection, sit comfortably next to groove heavy rock anthems like the single “Piece of You.”
Turning to the press pack, we are told that Blueprints puts the listener in the front seat for the Krisko experience as she turns to the music to capture her grief in songs like “Have to Say Goodbye” and “Blue Monday.” Uplifting the listener with songs like “Devil On Your Side” and “Operator,” her songs are celebrations with storytelling lyrics that take you on the journey with her. Powerful drums, driving bass, and raw blues and rock guitar are hand-squeezed into every nook and cranny of her music, delivering a saturated roots rock experience done with a masterful and heartfelt touch.
As background, Krisko was born in Detroit, raised in New York City and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina, has been influenced by the sounds of East Coast rock and roll, Motown, and roots music. Krisko has been stunning audiences across America and Europe, touring relentlessly with her own brand of roots-rock filled with soaring vocals, powerful grooves, emotional lyrics, and undeniable songwriting.
The band consists of Caitlin Krisko (lead vocals), Aaron Austin (guitar, background vocals), Michael W. Davis (drums), and William Seymour (bass, background vocals).
Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast have shared the bill with artists such as Mavis Staples, Marcus King, Blackberry Smoke, Margo Price, The Avett Brothers, Greta Van Fleet, and Robert Jon & The Wreck.
Last autumn, the band released “Haunted by You,” which was placed at the top of Spotify’s “Blues Ballads” playlist, garnering critical acclaim for its soulful blues and Krisko’s captivating performance.
The band has worked with producers such as Eric Sarafin (Ben Harper, Foreigner, Barenaked Ladies), and Jim Scott (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Johnny Cash, Grace Potter), while also releasing 2020’s album “Lost My Sight,” working hand in hand with legendary session giants such as previous members of Tedeschi Trucks Band, David Bowie’s Blackstar “Tim Lefebvre,” and current TTB drummer Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell.
The EP was released on August 16th. It runs to six songs and is seconds shy of 23 minutes.
The Review:
“Devil on Your Side” opens with a strong, funky groove. Caitlin tells me my soul is all she wants to take! I must watch that feeling in the middle of the night. It’s a strong opener and sets up the EP well.
“Blue Monday” is more dreamy, a pop rock ballad. The chorus tells of the blue Monday and the pain of when the sun goes down and there is suddenly a void in your heart you can’t fill. It is commercial, radio friendly and both sad and enjoyable at the same time.
“Piece of View” tells us we came in looking for love but left with an IOU! This is a highly commercial rocker. It has all the confidence of Johnny Depp in Pirates; it leads with a superb guitar riff and it deserves a lot of airwave attention! This is a really great track, no doubt about it.
“Haunted by You” is, as the title suggests, a haunting track. Now this one did make me feel sad; it reflects on loss and I have lost people over the years that I still feel I reach out to, but they are no longer there to support me. I know what she means; we remain haunted. So, a sad, reflective song.
“Operator” returns to a heavier groove. Again, some funk-influenced rock. Caitlin has stories to tell and she delivers another tale with some gusto. It’s a blast of a track.
“Have to Say Goodbye” closes the EP in smooth style, mellow! Saying goodbye is always sad and the rain falls on the heart. Caitlin sings a late lament. It’s a touching number.
In summary, this is an enjoyable EP with a story to tell. It is a song selection that fits together nicely and I will happily revisit it. It has different layers to it: at one point, lamenting; at another, punching back; and at another, feeling sad. I like storytelling, and I like narratives in songwriting, and this EP certainly delivers that with a lot of heart.
Standout tracks: “Piece of View” and “Blue Monday”
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You can download the EP here
By Lorraine Foley
CAITLIN KRISKO AND THE BROADCAST
September/October 2024 Headline UK Tour
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
WWW.CAITLINKRISKOANDTHEBROADCAST.COM
Southampton, The 1865
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Sittingbourne, Bourne Music Club
Thursday, September 26 2024
Newcastle, The Cluny
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Manchester, Night & Day Café
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Coulsdon, Tuesday Night Music Club
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Nottingham, Bodega
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
London, The Grace
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Bristol, The Louisiana
Friday, October 4, 2024