Album Review: Katy Steele - Human

Little Birdy could have never created Human.

To an extent, that's due to the technologies and techniques not explored during the band's mid-2000s career, but for the most part it's because of Katy Steele's ambitious, aggressive approach to songwriting on her debut solo record. Sure, her distinctive voice is the most obvious element of Human, as it has always been. But, the combination of analogue and electronic instruments, not to mention the more-than-deft touch of Perth producer Matt Gio (Rudimental, Troye Sivan), nudges it in a cool, contemporary direction.

Play The Game is an example of how synths, keyboards and live drums combine throughout the record's ten tracks. It Ain't Me is a stripped-back call to arms with mainstream appeal that could see Steele's solo status rise high above anything Little Birdy achieved.

In saying that, Human doesn't offer anything unique. While the names who have previously worked with Gio and mixer Eric J (Flume, Wafia, Chet Faker) are impeccably on-trend, there's little aside from Steele's own voice that allows the record to stand out from the crowd. Signal To You, a slower paced, percussive track, is one of few examples of where Steele's voice takes centre stage, making it a highlight of the album.

For the most part, though, Steele has overshot the mark. By trying to fit too many layers into each track, there's little room to breathe. Human, and tracks like Where's The Laughter in particular, will appeal to many, but it's unlikely to be revered a decade down the track.