Writing and recording an album is a deeply admirable task and one of the first true major milestones in many an artist’s life, and for Brooklyn-based artist Kate Dulcich, it was a Herculean task that seemed almost impossible at times. She says, “I never thought I’d release a full-length album—it would be like going to Mars… only cooler.”
Originally from Portland, Kate brought some of the earthy tones and indie-folk vibes from her hometown to the famous NYC Borough, where she found home and audience alike, a place to craft and record her music, the latest of which is a 10-track album titled “Paper Fortress.”
Written over five years, the album takes you on a wild ride through the ups and downs of modern life, where love, confusion, and inner turmoil collide. “Paper Fortress” serves up themes that feel both personal and universally relatable, all wrapped in a sound as comforting as a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day in 1999.
At its core, there's a sense of disillusionment mixed with a hefty dose of reflection. The lyrics reveal an existential anxiety, poking at the nagging feeling that maybe life has been a series of missteps. The idea of compartmentalization shines through, especially in “Mr. Compartmentalize,” where the struggle to maintain control battles with chaos lurking just beneath the surface.
Musically, the album strikes a fascinating balance, blending upbeat tunes with deeper, reflective undertones. This rich sound is often supported by Kate’s ever-present acoustic guitar, which serves as a trusted companion throughout the tracks. Critics have drawn comparisons to artists like Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos, and it’s easy to see why. Kate sings with a similar emotional intensity and honesty, capturing the essence of her experiences. Moreover, her overall sound feels like a natural evolution of the decade that both Morissette and Amos once dominated, creating a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience.
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"Paper Fortress" is a meditation on finding one’s footing amid the dizzying chaos of modern existence. It’s a candid embrace of our imperfections—those jagged edges we often hide—that reminds us of our shared humanity. In a world obsessed with polished façades, Kate Dulcich’s work invites us to celebrate the beauty of our vulnerabilities and realize that the barriers we’ve hidden ourselves behind are naught but a paper fortress.
