Palomino - EP

Album Review

Even before releasing a full-length debut recording, the Swedish born, U.K. raised singer/songwriter was getting tons of well-deserved attention for this multi-faceted EP, whose mix of elegance and edge and electric and acoustic pop/rock songs defined "indie" in 2007. She co-wrote its breakthrough song, the heartfelt, Jewel-flavored acoustic ballad "Beautiful Lies," with album producer Richie Stites (OutKast, Michael Jackson). On this track and "Skid Live," which sounds like a cool, raw demo, Stites holds back and lets the singer and her guitar speak for themselves. The other version of "Skid" is slightly more polished, with subtle drumming and hypnotic percussive elements and some vocal texturing, but Skaugen's emotionally resonant modern acoustic rock voice charms through. The opening track "Gone" shows a little more of a full band edge, with guitarist Elijah Reyes, bassist Brian Burham, and drummer Ryan Purucker simmering behind her more powerful approach. Another rhythm section is featured on the more intense mid tempo rocker "5 Weeks Away," which includes the scratches of DJ Odie. Even when the production level is higher, it's Skaugen's raw emotion and grit that carries the moment. The popularity of "Beautiful Lies" led to an appearance by Skaugen on Sirius Satellite Radio's Stars 102's Pacific Coast Highway, where host Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff called her "possibly the best singer you haven't heard yet." She was selected to appear on KIIS-FM 102.7 Los Angeles Unplugged Performance and played with her band at the Texas Rock Fest 2007 and the Austin Women's Music Festival. This all too brief EP whet the indie rock world's whistle for more from this bright and irresistible talent.