Singles Roundup: Katatonia, Kelly Clarkson, Battle Beast, and Jules & The Howl

May is proving to be a month with no full-length releases I want to talk about, so let's take the opportunity to talk about a few singles instead. 

Katatonia - Temporal

The second single from the band's new chapter reveals a bit more about what we can expect. The rhythms of this song are just askew enough to bring in hints of prog, while Jonas' delivery is his usual somber yet beautiful tone. Like the first single, this one takes the basic tone of the last two albums, but gives it a bit more of a clinical feeling. It lacks the pervasive darkness of "City Burials", and the pseudo-optimism of  "Sky Void Of Stars". That leaves the song feeling a bit sterile, and I worry this is an insular album that will be much more difficult for me to embrace.

Kelly Clarkson - Where Have You Been

Over the years, Kelly Clarkson has tried on many hats. Some of them have worked better for me than others, but what has always been undeniable is the power of her voice. This new song may or may not indicate a new chapter, but if it does it points in an interesting direction. Kelly as a blues chanteuse is maybe not what I would expect, but it plays into the strength of her voice beautifully. Her power and expression plays off the weeping guitar leads, creating a blend of sounds that is worlds away from what made her famous, but feels every bit as natural. I might not have been all that high on her more recent pop phase, but I can get behind more of this.

Battle Beast - Last Goodbye

It was only a couple weeks ago that I lamented how Noora Louhimo's collaborative album was lacking in ways that made it feel essential. With Battle Beast unexpectedly returning with this new song, I'm reminded that I believe everything I was saying. Battle Beast is once again giving us a dose of energetic power metal that balances the power of Noora's voice with sharp hooks that bring out the best in everyone involved. I often say that power metal is simple, yet difficult. This is an example of how much fun it can be when it's done right. We can all use a lot more fun in our lives.

Jules & The Howl - In The End

Perhaps more than ever, the current moment feels like a time when carrying on gives the air of being impossible. The world is crumbling around us, people are now comfortable showcasing the worst we are capable of, and our mental health suffers as we think about how hard finding a shred of happiness can be. Jules & The Howl counteract that malaise with this new song, which is a pop-punk anthem keen on giving us the energy to leap over the chasm between where we are and where we want to be. Jules sings that she isn't going to let anything hold her back, and for a moment we believe her, because it's in our nature to want to believe. Jules knows the road might be bumpy, and long, but she's going to stick it out as long as it takes. Each time the chorus comes along with it's bouncy hook, Jules is holding a match to the pilot light. Hopefully, hers will stay lit longer than mine.