CommonUnion59 - Heartbeat Serenade

CommonUnion59 comprise Steve McKenzie and Laura Malasig. They both write and perform personal and original music rooted from their own emotion and experiences. They tell a story of the journey of life through their music and their accolades include YouBloom@LA, Flagstaff Folk Festival and San Francisco Free Folk Festival. As well as singing, Laura plays Piano and Glokenspiel and Stephen also plays Guitar and Banjo.

Last year was an exciting time for CommonUnion59. They continue to write songs and perform live. They are currently planning a tour in support of their new release.




Here is my review of their Heartbeat Serenade album:

 

The album starts with ‘It’s Alright’, a Rock-Country/Americana duet. It instantly highlights the talent of CommonUnion59 and is recommended. It then moves on to Track 2 ‘This Universe’, which is an intelligent song lyrically, sang by Laura. I am reminded vocally of Stevie Nicks.

 

Track 3 ‘American Dream’ is much more Country in its style. Both Steve and Laura perform on this track. Track 4 ‘The River Song’ is a slower Country ballad which highlights Laura’s vocal talents.

 

Track 5 ‘Heartbeat Serenade’ is more ‘Psychedelic’ in its style, reminiscent of 60’s bands such as The Beatles/The Move. It is very retro and recommended.

 

Track 6 ‘Little White House’ is reminiscent of Dolly Parton both vocally by Laura and in the way that is intelligently tells a moving story.

 

Track 7 and 8 ‘From Where We Are’ and ‘Catch The Wind’ are pleasant ballads. Track 9 ‘Today’ again has a slight 60’s feel to it particularly with the backing musical accompaniment. The album ends on the moving ‘Not Dead Inside’ which winds it down nicely.

 

I would recommend this album to Country Music fans and fans of Fleetwood Mac and 60’s Psycedelia!

 

Karen Hill