Melinda Ortner
Album: Strangers EP
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 4
Website: http://www.melindamusic.com

If there's one name you need to remember for the rest of this year then it's Melinda Ortner. Why? Because her sparkly debut EP 'Strangers' is on its way, bringing with it a flame thrower of gorgeously heavy tracks that will have you feeling what she feels from the outset. Miss Ortner has been heavily involved in her music for the past few years in LA and this EP is the beginning of her hard-worked efforts.

Opening track 'Strangers' is a dark, soul-heavy tune, loaded with meaning and tinged with a menace that only the knowing and experienced can ever retain for a track. Melancholic throughout, Ortner puts each and every one of her disappointments into 'Strangers' to the point where you either want to rescue her from a long fall or join her in the controlled and ever present fury she doesn't speak of here. It's got a touch of a good hangover about it, feeling the silent pain but floating along with it; desperately trying not to give in.

'Wait Another Day' plinks and plunks its beginnings away to Ortner's silky smooth vocals and the dark clouds that appear on the horizon. That sounds like a bad thing but this track brings with it a pin meant to prick your thoughts of something long forgotten. Deep but with a veil of lightness, 'Wait Another Day' is the stand-alone track on this EP designed to kick your brain into gear and think the unthinkable.

'Sweet Little Lies' is probably the warmest track out of the four. Sliding straight into a smoky room of potential, the track is defined by its distinctly upbeat tune and Ortner's almost happy vocals from the off. Pausing for a while to bring in the light dusting of backing vocals in a musical-style chorus line, the track slips away to its ending quicker than what you would ideally like. 'Sweet Little Lies' is the cute oddball track here, Ortner is practically skipping on this track and the glimmer of joy she injects into it is plainly evident throughout.

Winding down with 'Somethin' Sorry' the final track stands away from the others like a kooky partygoer, complete with wacky hat and a vodka cocktail. Soulful, catchy and darkly charming, this EP closer is one for the repeat button. It's a soundtrack tune waiting to happen, drifting along on a basement bar, hipster-cool vibe that you can't help tapping along to.

'Strangers' is a keeper. Melinda Ortner will become a new name in your iPod playlist. Watch out, she's coming for you.

Emma Sutherland