Laura Evans – Out Of The Dark – Album Review – measurepr

Review By Darren McIntyre

Laura Evans is a singer / songwriter / performer from Aberdare, Wales who is going from strength to strength since the release of her country inspired EP Remember When. Laura brought us singles Running Back To You & Drag Me Back In aand followed that with her stunning debut album State Of Mind which brought great reviews from audiences and industry folk from far & wide. Laura has been busy on the road with Robert John & The Wreck and Robben Ford, been performing all over the world on cruise ships to thousands of people every night, she has also been busy writing, recording and on the 17th October Laura brings us her brand new album Out Of The Dark. Please settle in and grab yourself a cold one as I take us on the journey with Laura as she continues her domination in the country / blues world.

Wherever You Are – A funky, cool guitar riff opens the track as Laura lets her smouldering vocals take the track to the next level as the punchy rhythm section leans in and lets this toe tapping bluesy groove laden track breathe. The low end is hitting us with a groove laden tone that slots into this fantastic arrangement as the band come at us and really let us have it both barrels, the sweet backing vocals really give this arrangement depth and tone as the track lets the tempo come at us. The groove changes pace a little as the slick guitar licks allow the melodic groover move on as Laura lets the vocals flow effortlessly through this fantastic opening track as we welcome back the lass from Aberdare.

Superman – A groovy country style riff opens the track as a punchy bass kick wanders freely through the intro as we ready ourselves as Laura tells it like it is as this foot stomping melodic number comes at us. A dark, delicious bassline drops in and really wraps itself around us as we feel the funky beat take us off into the sunset as Laura tells the story and pulls us into the dream as we feel the groove grab us, the whole track is a real funky, blues laden rocker track that has seen a shift in the maturity of this fantastic artist as she has really upped her game with this awesome record. I have seen Laura numerous times and can tell you that this girl is the real deal and is proving that with this honest, heartfelt, bluesy affair.

Honest –

We kick off with a nice, melodic guitar pick that flows effortlessly through the intro as a punchy bass kick lets the rhythm section make itself known to us, bang and off we go with a real solid snare drum beat as Laura lets her smooth, soulful, bluesy vocals take the track onwards. A funky, dark, brooding bassline comes in and wraps itself around this toe tapping track that is breaking new ground for Laura, she has matured so much in her time and it has been a pleasure to watch her grow. The tempo changes pace several times during the arrangement and we get a real beefed up groove from this incredible artist as she showcases her vocals that just take the track to another place as we feel the shift in musicality for sure, a classic new offering from her new album due for release later this year.

ATM – A heavier punchy groove comes at us as this toe tapping track is unleashed as Laura lets the groove flow and really lets the tone tell it’s own story. The rhythm section is leaning in and hitting us with a real soulful, punchy groove that is flowing freely through the composition as sweet, cool Hammond style keys bring a sort of bluesy, country tone to this fast, soulful groover track that lets the slick guitar licks come at us and really deliver a fresh, punchy beat that is just uplifting for sure.

Nobody Loves Me Like You – A sweet vocal oozes from the intro and is backed by a mellow guitar pick that really showcases this incredible musicians quality as the track comes to life. The rhythm section provides the groove as a dark, delicious bassline wraps itself around this smouldering arrangement that tells us that Laura has really matured with this classic number that would befit any stadium, the silky, smooth vocals are just elevating the track as the musicians really deliver a faultless tone that lets Laura really dig deep and bring us a real thought provoking, soul searching track that has depth and so much more. The groove is really telling it’s own story as they give us sweet guitar licks that compliment the killer bassline that is melting all over this blistering composition, we cannot wait for the album to drop as it will just propel this fantastic artist to another level for sure.

What I’m Made Of – There is a real funky feel to this fantastic track as the deep full on bassline drops mellow grooves that really let this track come to life. Laura comes in with her colossal vocals that have depth, soul and bags and bags of swagger that just allows this blues inspired arrangement to really take us on the journey with Laura as she drives this classy rocking track onwards and really delivers something special. The tempo changes direction mid track and that just showcases the versatility of this fantastic artist as she really opens up on a personal level as we catch a glimpse of this incredible talented lady as she delivers a real scorching piece of music that tells us that Laura is blossoming into a phenomenal artist that just gets better with every release, this is a real stonker of a track that gives us fuzzy guitar licks that paired with a monster bassline that wraps itself around this awesome track, the groove is completed by by a punchy rhythm section that hits us with solid snare drum beats as the cymbal crashes let this epic arrangement tell it’s own story.

Heartbreaker – The track kicks off and immediately takes you to the local hoe – down as you get that awesome rocky groove that just transports you back to the good ol days of country. The slick clean guitar licks are deep with a real groove beat that just gets those feet moving as the punchy rhythm section comes at us with cool solid snare drum punches that bring added cowbell which is awesome. Vocals are soaring and really open this foot stomping country rock track as we feel the emotion pouring from this lass from the valleys as she really brings us a soaring thing of beauty. The thumping bassline is wrapping itself around this sizzling gritty rock track that runs perfectly with these soulful soaring vocals that just tell their own story as we feel the soulful groove flow effortlessly through this awesome new track.

Just A Little Bit More – Hammond style keys ooze from the intro as a deep, crisp guitar pick flows into the track as Laura unleashes her colossal powering vocals that just settle us into this fantastic offering. Piano tones are leaning in and let the tone come through as cymbal snaps combine with a solid snare drum beat as this smouldering blues track just wraps itself around us as we really let Laura lead the way as she just tells us that this is a real honest, personal journey that we are all on, the bassline is dropping in and letting the funk element flow as the dark, delicious grooves combine with a sweet, soulful guitar pick that just builds and builds as Laura’s incredible vocals take the track to another place for sure.

Always & Forever – Cool piano / Hammond notes linger through the intro as a punchy snare drum beat lets the rhythm section lead the way as we feel the energy oozing from this fantastic piece. Laura lets her soulful, smoldering vocals take the track onwards as we let the low end bring the funk groove to this killer track that is just on the money, the whole album is just testament to how far this super talented singer / songwriter has come and I am glad to say that I am glad to be part of her journey as it has been a pleasure watching this incredible musician grow and bring us this awesome album. The funky, slick, crisp guitar licks are really getting our feet moving as we just feel the musicality oozing from this fantastic artist.

I’ll Be The One – Acoustic strumming chords flow from the intro as smouldering, mellow vocals ease into the track as we allow ourselves to float away and be mesmerised by this awesome arrangement. A mellow, soothing bassline drops in and really lets the tone weave it’s way through this cool ballad style track as Laura shifts her emotions to let this track breathe, it is like walkig into a club and finding this incredible artist letting her vocals do the talking and it makes you take your lady onto the floor and just leave all your troubles at the table. This is a real searching ballad that just stops you in your tracks as the melodic tones just allow you to be taken to somewhere new as you let the tone wash over you and really feel the depth and tone take your breathe away.

Out Of The Dark( Interlude) – Smoldering tones flow freely through the intro as Laura lets her incredible vocals lead the way as piano and guitar tones mix well and really let us feel the intensity oozing from this short, sharp piece that just allows Laura to showcase her incredible range as we slowly ease ourselves into the last track on this incredible piece of music.

Hear Me Out – Slide guitar licks are flowing from the intro as we prepare to let the last track leave it’s mark on us as we celebrate a fantastic album that is full of maturity, depth, sass and pure melodic tones. The rhythm section comes at us as it hits us with a punchy snare drum beat as the bass kicks let the groove flow effortlessly through the whole arrangement, the bassline is handing us deep, funky, dark tones that just elevate the track to another level for sure. The soaring vocals are just driving through this track and really letting Laura tell us that this is just a fantastic, well written, thought provoking album that we will all be reaching for the repeat button for sure as we feel the texture wash over us as this cool, mellow guitar licks work their magic in this fantastic closing track. The album is a real thought provoking piece of music and something Laura should be proud of, I am blessed to be on this journey and watch this fantastic musician shine and grow.

Laura Evans –

Laura Evans – Vocals

Ian Barter

Patch Boshell

Elliot Coombs

Nick Atkinson

Josiah Manning

Tom Auton

Track Listing –

Wherever You Are – Laura Evans – Vocals / Elliot Coombs – Guitar

Superman – Laura Evans – Vocals / Ian Barter – All Instruments

Honest – Laura Evans Vocals / Ian Barter