My Garden
Kat Dahlia
(Vested in Culture)
Three stars
Cuban-American singer/songwriter Kat Dahlia is a producer's dream with a catalogue of talents that include an awesome rock growl and a sweet rap flow, in addition to writing her own set of penetrating lyrics. Her much-anticipated debut album My Garden shines and suffers on the weight of these strengths. The opening title track begins with ominous keyboards before Dahlia's vocals get you, as she sing-raps her way through life's challenges. The single Gangsta is a highlight with lyrics reflecting her troubled childhood. The album's middle section, however, sacrifices the brooding intimacy for a set of average pop songs. With My Garden you get a glimpse of a possible future star, but it ultimately sounds like a promising audition as opposed to being the real deal.
