Sunday, May 13, 2012

Album Review - Quigley "Pleiades"

I love free music. No, not going on Limewire and stealing music, but when artists decide to release music for free. It is a great way to build up a fan base, and artists such as Colette Carr, Simon Curtis, and Frankmusik have released free demos, EPs, and even albums to get fans and create hype for them. Quigley, a new artist, has made the decision to release her debut EP for free, and the world needs to check it out.


This EP only has three songs (or six, depending on how you look at it), but that doesn't make it any less impressive. In this case, it's not the length that matters, but the fact that all three of these tracks are strong and could each stand alone as a single, which is a rare instance for any artist.

The opening song, "Imitate Love" is a song that sounds and feels like no other track I've come across in recent pop music. This girl isn't afraid to take risks with experiments, and straying from the traditional is a definite plus for this track, as the beat keeps climbing while she lets loose a barrage of strong vocals. The song is about being in love with someone who doesn't understand how to love somebody.

"Inkblot Game" was really the only song I expected coming into this, as she released an interesting video to this prior to the EP release. Bringing a unique touch to the pop scene again, this song feels very bare, allowing her to prove herself, only having a piano and a chorus of back up singers to accompany her. The song is very tranquil and calming, making this a good de-stressing track.

The most mainstream sounding track of the three, "Making Plans" picks up the pace a bit, adding in more backing music, creating an epic chorus. Saving the best for last, this one is the strongest and most polished feeling of the them all, and giving Pleiades a nice ending.

Numbers four through six are the instrumentals of the three songs. While they are a nice touch, the main focus was Quigley's amazing voice, and the back tracks weren't as spectacular without it. They are useful for those who want to do covers, which is a great way for new artists to get attention on sites like YouTube.

I have to say that I am impressed by this EP. It serves as an appetizer for what is to come, and if her debut album is anything like this, I will be first in line to buy it. Releasing music for free may seem like a bad move monetarily, but when weighed with the fans they gain simply because of people's curiosity, it most often pays off in the end. This, coupled with her track on Frankmusik's latest release (which was also free), I'd say that Quigley is well on her way to getting her name out.

As for the Quigley herself, I was shocked at how amazing her vocals were. The Frankmusik track, "Notice Me",  didn't showcase her true extent. On this bare bones EP, everyone was able to hear what she is really capable of. I can say that due to it's experimental nature, it may not be fore everyone, but what harm can it do, other than take up 51MB on your computer, given that it is free?

Give Quigley a chance and check out her debut EP Pleiades. Like it? Hate it? Comment below and let me know!

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