Kensal Road is a studio album by Australian recording artist Kate Ceberano that was released on 26 July 2013.
Background Kensal Road was recorded in the United Kingdom with songwriter/producer James Bryan and marks Kate Ceberano's first recordings of original material since The Girl Can Help It in 2003. It contains elements of Ceberano's original pop sound and was announced Kensal Road as "a new chapter" in Ceberano's musical career.
Ceberano said about the album: "I think it's one of my favourite albums because of the elements that went into making it, working with some amazing European musicians, having the creative control and the support of Sony Music Australia. Rather than me having to go to them and say I want to do this they said 'we're ready for you to do this now' and that is a beautiful reversal of flow if you know what I mean."
Musically, Kensal Road incorporates Kate's early musical influences of Hawaiian folk music and Fleetwood Mac, but was also created to reflect the genres of nu-folk and nu-country, being influenced by such singer/songwriters as Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling and Ryan Adams.
Singles "Magnet" was released as the first single on 31 May 2013. A video was released via Ceberano's Vevo account on 7 October 2013. A video for "How High" was released on 12 November 2013.
Critical reception Tex Miller of Forte Magazine gave the album a positive review, saying: "Straight off the bat, you are greeted with sweet vocal harmonies and some country-esque pop guitar lines that features ukulele, mandolin and guitar to name just a few of the instruments that James Bryan has played." He admitted not previously being a fan of Ceberano, but continued by adding: "If you've previously been sceptical of Kate Ceberano, give this a listen, it will change your tune."
Track listing The album was released digitally and physically in Australia on 26 July 2013.
Charts Chart (2013) Peak position
Tour To promote the album, Ceberano toured Australia throughout October and November 2013. She played the drums in this tour. The support act was Alison Ainsworth, a Triple J Unearthed feature singer and songwriter from Melbourne.
The tour received positive reviews, including one from Gen Adams of Weekend Notes, who said: "Past hits like 'Brave', 'Pash' and 'I Don't Know How To Love Him' were popular. Her new songs were listened to with delight as she sang them faultlessly and passionately. In between songs, her banter with the audience was genuine and her fun-loving and bubbly personality exuded love and comfort. Her years of experience and professionalism brought a natural feel to the stage. Audience participation was welcomed and this made the crowds feel like they were part of Kate's extended family. We were invited to join in with choruses, singing rhythms and clapping beats".
Tour dates:
Date Location Venue2 October 2013AlbanyAlbany Entertainment Centre3 October 2013BunburyBunbury Entertainment Centre4 October 2013MandurahMandurah Performing Arts Centre5 October 2013PerthRegal Theatre Perth10 October 2013Port Pirie Northern Festival Centre 11 October 2013AdelaideHer Majesty's Theatre Adelaide 18 October 2013CoolangattaTwin Towns20 October 2013BrisbaneBrisbane Powerhouse24 October 2013GeelongGeelong Playhouse26 October 2013MelbourneThe Palms at Crown30 October 2013CanberraCanberra Southern Cross Club31 October 2013WollongongIllawarra Performing Arts Centre 1 November 2013NewcastleWests New Lambton Theatre2 November 2013SydneyYork Theatre3 November 2013PenrithEvan Theatre
References