Rossland Radio Co-op your voice in the wilderness

“PAULINE KYLLONEN” Pauline Kyllonen (self released) ** ½
This self-titled four song e.p. is a promising start to a young career.

This disc owes its existence to the song “Rainbow Café”, included here. Kyllonen entered the tune into Music BC (Map Program), winning her three days at The Factory Studios in Vancouver. The Vernon based singer/ songwriter engaged the talents of drummer Pat Steward (ex- Bryan Adams/ current New Odds) as well as New Odds bassist Doug Elliot- talk about the stars lining up in her favor.

Kyllonen’s sound is a cross between country and roots music, some rock influence too. She has a decent but ordinary voice and her lyrics can be clunky, but these are minor quibbles. I wondered if “Unlucky” described her own love life, and was “Rainbow Café” about a real person, or was it just a charming vignette? Another half dozen songs to get a firmer grip on who Pauline is would’ve been nice.

“Unlucky” is an energetic opener that’ll have you tapping in time on the steering wheel, but Kyllonen prefers balladry as her main form of expression. As a preview of things to come “PK” is a nice taster, and the star for me at least is “Wasn’t Thinking About You”, a song so much stronger than the others melodically and lyrically that it really stands out.

KEY CUTS: the two songs just mentioned
Website: www.paulinekyllonen.com