Katherine Aly - Shadows Are Made of Light Too (2022) Hi-Res

Katherine Aly is on the rise and rise. One of the brightest musical talents Scotland (via Greece) has to offer her dazzlingly glowing light shines through the shadows bringing together glorious singles like Glow & Ignite, Pariah , Rules and Pariah with four other songs including her latest single Hype Up and in doing so creates a glittering prize for the listener.

Shadows Are Made of Light Too is a veritable cornucopia of blisteringly beautiful alt-pop anthems, nothing throwaway here, with addictive pop rock and hypnotic electronic rhythms mixing perfectly and lyrics, both thoughtful and celebratory, tackling a cross section of topics ranging from prejudice linked to race, gender and body image to mental health and then through to celebrations of sexuality and being who you are.

The album kicks off in style with an exploration of anxiety in the soaring melody of Glow & Ignite, its refrain so hook laden it will stick with you for days inspiring you to try leave behind the anxieties and thoughts that lay heavy on you, igniting a passion and lifting you from the doldrums allowing you glow like you should.

Follow that with Pariah and you know you are onto a winner with this collection of edifying anthems Pariah is a clarion call to those who have been targeted, lyrically this one of the most powerful and affecting songs in her repertoire, tackling the topic of prejudice with such levels of positivity and defiance that you cannot help but be reinvigorated and face down anyone who would dare to attack anyone because of the way they look, the colour of their skin, or who they love. All power to Katherine.