Buzzin Pop Music

the house - katie melua

Katie Melua returns with a brand new fourth album called The House, which is released on May 24th. The House is produced by William Orbit, famous for his work on Madonna’s album Ray of Light, his distinctive sound can be heard throughout the new album.

Famed for her ballads Katie does not disappoint with the delicacy of Red Balloons, wounded intrigue of I’d Love To Kill You, definitive love of No Fear Of Heights and tragic betrayal of the title track. And Katie’s interpretation of The One I Love Is Gone, written by ‘the father of bluegrass’ Bill Munroe, is simply stunning.

It is, perhaps, on the more up-tempo songs that Katie’s exciting creative trajectory is most apparent. Tiny Alien’’s charming off-kilter folk and the warped electro rock of God On The Drums, Devil On The Bass sit alongside the intoxicating brightness of A Happy Place and the Berlin-burlesque of A Moment of Madness. Meanwhile the hypnotic Twisted and orchestral-pop of Plague Of Love complement the epic insistence and drama of new single The Flood.

The Flood is released on May 17th, the track is one of six collaborations with Guy Chambers that appear on the album. Lauren Christy was also involved in the writing on The Flood and Katie says;

“I was in Los Angeles writing for a few days with Lauren. We worked on a piano melody that Guy had sent over and came up with the lyrics and topline for the first part of the song which, at that time, was a really nice ballad.” Back in London Katie and Guy wrote a number of songs together, including putting the final touches to The Flood.

The result is an unusual track that ebbs and flows before an unexpected tempo change kicks the song into a pulse-quickening, dance-pop-rhythm with a dramatic climax that leads to the record’s conclusion in the original tempo.

The Flood was one of the songs that Melua originally sent to William Orbit and he liked it enough to quit his self imposed retirement as a producer and welcome the singer into the studio to record the album with him. Orbit says;

“I was captivated by Katie’s voice when I first heard her demos in October last year and, although not having been involved in record production for some time, felt that I just had to work with her. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and a pleasure from start to finish. I have been hypnotised by the many colours and moods of her voice, and the deep emotional waters of her lyrics and melodies. She is one of the most complex and intriguing artists that I have ever worked with.”

The Flood has already received airplay on Radio 2, with presenter Janice Long declaring it as being “the best thing Katie’s done….”, and serves as an intriguing introduction to The House. Described as sonically epic and dramatic with an underlying thread of blues The House promises to draw a new audience whilst appealing to Katie’s many existing fans.

Here is a sneak preview from the album The House – Katie Melua

Katie Melua has announced an extensive European tour for autumn 2010 which will include 13 shows in Britain in December. She will also be playing at festivals and outdoor concerts this summer including Thetford Forest on July 10th.