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Indie
Rock Show Review The name says it all – Debra Soule definitely has the “soul sistah” thing going on with her intriguing debut CD release “Vapor”. This CD will immediately impress even the worst of critics by its original flavor, musical excellence, and extremely successful marketability in a very tough “flavor of the week” music industry – this is definitely one that will be sticking around for a while! Debra’s voice is unique upon the first note and has a gospel/blues attitude on top of some great modern rock. Debra’s got a soulful edge and has no trouble expressing herself vocally in a way that stands out from other run-of-the-mill Christian females in the market. But don’t run ahead too far…this project is not really the typical Christian CD. It’s not really even a Christian cross-over CD. Debra’s got her spiritual priorities in order, but is able to musically express herself without the constraints of the Christian music industry that usually leaves one unsatisfied and uninspired by the same ole’ same ole’ last decade copycat styles. Debra’s music definitely keeps up with the times and with what’s going on in the real world today, but stands alone in its individuality. Speaking from a heart of experience, Debra touches on the things people live and presents the Savior in a unique & inspiring new way. The “Debra attitude” and unique soulful signature is found in such outstanding songs as “Amen”, “Everlasting” and “Believing”. The first cut “Amen” has a modernized old negro spiritual feel mixed in with some gritty guitar blues joined with rock and funk The soul thing is definitely cooking from the get-go. “Everlasting” and “Turning” definitely have the most attitude out of all the tracks with some standout vocal arrangements and a groove that goes about ten notches past No Doubt’s pop rock edge. The tracks all have a retro-folk quality about them that re-emerges itself through modernized alternative rock expressions. One of the cool things Debra is able to pull off vocally is that higher register in her voice without sounding like a classical white girl opera singer trying to be cool. She uses the soprano notes of her voice well and has a smooth transition from all out gutt busting singing to artsy Tori Amos/Paula Cole flair - a truly gifted singer and equally gifted songwriter. The production on this CD is outstanding and it’s no wonder it has received critical acclaim from many other reviewers and television personalities from Dateline NBC and Fox TV. Look out for Debra’s upcoming Christmas release “Soule-ified” next month and another new follow-up CD for 2004! This is definitely an artist that stands above the rest and is worth the listen.
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