Katy Lied - Echo Games

Formed in Northern England in 2006 Katy Lied is an emerging 4 piece band who in their short existence have already released two albums and created a significant impact at national radio and press in the UK.

Based around the song-writing and musicianship of guitarist Duncan Hamilton and the clear, emotive vocals of Katie Harnett, Katy Lied are big on classic song-writing values, and come carrying a blast of Americana and roots-rock, all shot through with a pop sensibility, sharp lyrics and radio-friendly hooks to die for.

The band’s first album Late Arrival was released in 2008 and the title track was quickly playlists on BBC Radio 2, the UK’s most listened to national radio station. In 2009 the follow-up album Echo Games was released to another chorus of excellent reviews, more national airplay and a much coveted live session on the legendary Bob Harris radio show.

Echo Games sees Katie Harnett’s vocals to the fore on a collection of superbly crafted songs. This time around Hamilton has co-written with several notables including internationally famed singer-songwriter Thea Gilmore, ex Story’s guitarist Dai Smith, and producer/multi-instrumentalist Nigel Stonier.

The band’s eponymous anthem leads the collection off with a teasing lyric and a thrilling power-pop surge, and from there things diversify considerably: the bluesy groove of the acerbic “Mr Vertigo” and the dark sentiments of “When It Rains” are suitably offset by the quietly uplifting “Piece by Piece” and the hard won lovers optimism of “A Little Rain”.

The Katy Lied line-up is completed by Paul Burgess (drums) and Jo Wadeson (bass), who between them have worked with names as famed and far-ranging as Beth Orton, Jethro Tull, Joan Armatrading and The Waterboys in recent years. There are also guest contributions to the album by producer Nigel Stonier on keyboards and additional guitars by legendary pedal steel master Al Perkins.

This is an immense release, featuring a wide range of content and some marvellous musicianship that often focuses the record on Katie’s vocals, and the lyrical content that is impeccably toned and well-crafted. Echo Games proves that Katy Lied could re-invent themselves time and time again and it would just keep getting better – not to be missed, my album of the year! Maverick Magazine

The band offer a very English take on the West Coast/Joni/Grace influences that Fairport Convention channelled so brilliantly pre-“A Sailor’s Life”. Uncut

More Information

Katy Lied Website

Katy Lied on MySpace