Being a member of the University of New Haven community has led me to meet so many talented people in so many different fields.
Catalina Gonzalez has been no exception.
Hailing from Santiago, Chile, the senior here at UNH has made a name for herself in the local music community and is looking to expand out with new music opportunities. Over the past few years she’s put out two EPs, Old Soul, New Voice and Game Of Words, with plenty of fun covers along the way including her “Song Sunday” installments you can check out on YouTube. She released her newest EP last semester, Roadrunner, and I think it truly shows her versatility as a songstress and her power as a vocalist!
The EP opens with the title track “Roadrunner” that is reminiscent of an old bluesy rock track. The chugging guitar line evokes a ZZ Top vibe while Gonzalez croons about chasing after a “roadrunner” love. The next track, “To Forget You,” goes in a completely new direction, taking me to a distant island with the reggae harmonies and again that very distinctive guitar setting the tone for the song. For me, the best was certainly saved for last with the very slinky and sultry “My Man.” The mysterious verses opened up to a powerful wailing chorus that absolutely blew me away with an organ part that felt like I was being taken to church.
There is no low point to this EP, no filler track to take up space and nothing missing from my musical palate. I can really appreciate artists who put out short EPs like Roadrunner because it’s a sampling of short songs that all show such strength. I would much rather a short brilliantly crafted EP over a full length that has sub-par filler tracks.
All in all, Catalina Gonzalez hit this one out of the park. You can pick it up for yourself at catalinagonzalez.bandcamp.com as well as her other EPs and cover singles. You can also find her on Facebook or on her website at Catalinagonzalezmusic.com. Her next show in the area will be at Two Roads Brewery in Stratford, so be sure to go support!
It’s been awesome for me personally to watch Gonzalez go from performing at the freshman talent show singing Adele to now putting out great original music. Hopefully it won’t be long before I can say that the girl on TV winning a Grammy went to my alma mater!
