REVIEWS:
D.C.-based Laura Tsaggaris has built a loyal local following for good reason.
The singer-songwriter's musical palette includes varied instrumentation, arrangements and genres. Her recently released sophomore disc, "Keep Talking," underscores her creativity, from the rocker "Warning Signs" to the blues-inspired title track.
The result is sort of Bonnie Raitt meets Sheryl Crow, with some Cortney Tidwell and Candice Night mixed in. That's not a negative. When a singer-songwriter builds an array of songs, often arising from a solid pop foundation with a splash of blues, a touch of rock and a hint of soul, that affirms a genuine musical gift.
Tsaggaris's only stumbling block may be the lack of a signature sound. Her fans will argue that those familiar with her work instantly recognize her voice. But others are left struggling to identify the individuality of an artist who tries on so many different styles.
When Tsaggaris lets her emotions flow in her vocals, her work engulfs the listener. One of the numerous standouts on this album is the new wave/electronica "Catastrophic." And the slightly punk-rock "Winner's Curse," highlighted by Tsaggaris's luminous vocals, is destined to become a classic. -- Nancy Dunham, THE WASHINGTON POST
A soothing rocker. - NPR
Influenced by Jeff Buckley, REM, and Lucinda Williams to name a few, it is clear to see where (Laura) has found her inspiration... (Keep Talking) is a great album recommended to everyone. - MAVERICK MAGAZINE, UK
Washington, DC’s Laura Tsaggaris proves to be an exciting singer/songwriter worth keeping an eye out for with her latest album, Keep Talking, out now on Overtime Records.
The most impressive facet of the record is how diverse it is. Tsaggaris doesn’t merely rely on an acoustic guitar and her voice on the tracks, although her vocals are strong enough that she could be successful on that alone.
Instead, Keep Talking is packed with different styles over its 12 songs. From the undeniable thrilling guitar-pop of “Warning Signs” and “Go and Do Everything (Again)” to the slide-guitar loving, alt-country twinged “Get Yourself Right”, Tsaggaris delivers hard-hitting songs regardless of the many shifts that happen throughout the LP.
She also impresses on the title-track “Keep Talking” and “Roads” with jazz-influenced horn arrangements, adding a nice change of pace into the album. At other points, Tsaggaris even adopts a psychedelic edge, evident on “Catastrophic”, where acoustic guitar, an airy key melody, french horn and clarinet mix together to create a fascinating song.
Overall, Keep Talking is a strong cohesion of varied influences that leaves you with respect for Tsaggaris and her able backing band. - TUNES LEVEL
Those jonesing for solid singer/songwriter pop-rock should look no further than the music of Laura Tsaggaris. A Pittsburgh native who now calls D.C. home, Tsaggaris (pronounced, as she's fond of pointing out, suh-GAIR-iss) has made a strong impression both around the web and in touring throughout the country, using sharp hooks and insightful lyrics as her weapons of choice. She recently released her sophomore album, Keep Talking, a decidedly upbeat affair that's catchy and fun but still makes time to discuss weightier matters within its pop boundaries. Though it might be easy to lump Tsaggaris in with her many female songwriter peers, and while her sound certainly has a very familiar, radio-ready sheen, she proves herself worthy of distinction by tackling an eclectic set of songs with generally great results.
Highlights include the bouncy opener "Warning Signs," the driving rock tune "The Politician," and the lovely "Get Yourself Right." Incorporating dashes of synth, slide guitar, and other subtle embellishments into the basic guitar/bass/drums/piano formula, Tsaggaris gets good mileage out of the record's 40 minutes, never settling into any one groove for very long and keeping things interesting throughout. It's obvious she prefers rock 'n' roll to dreamy balladry, and though there are certainly some restrained, quiet moments, they don't always last long - as evidenced by closer "Pilots," which begins as a slow acoustic track before erupting into electric guitar solos and crashing percussion. In listening to the 13 tracks, Keep Talking often sounded like the work of an artist still attempting to establish her identity, but as Tsaggaris figures herself out musically, the material she produces along the way is easily strong enough to make for a very effective introduction. - CHEWING GUM FOR THE EARS
Having spent her formative years trying to outrun a longing to create music, by 2005 there would only be one, seemingly unavoidable, outcome. Laura Tsaggaris recorded 'Proof', a debut offering that dispelled any fear she may have still had regarding a recording career. Fast-forward almost four years, her talent realised, and Tsaggaris looks set to release her finest, most complete work to date. 'Keep Talking' is an inspirational, self-exploratory record that will ignite your imagination - a record comprised of moving, provocative songs wonderfully suited to a live setting. I shudder to think what might have been had she kept 'running' - thankfully, Rebel Spirit audiences needn't concern themselves. - REBEL SPIRIT MUSIC
Washington, DC singer-songwriter, guitarist/pianist Laura Tsaggaris’s Keep Talking. reveals a rich emotional template. Opener “Warning Signs” melds Sam Clowney’s driving electric guitar and the confession, “I could’ve told you you’d fall for the lines, mine them for hope and then toss them aside.” The ‘60s boy- band feel of “Out of My Mind” precedes “Roads”, co-written by Townshend, a piano-driven ballad that flanks electric guitar. “I’ve paved these roads to drive smooth as my hand runs over you,” commands Tsaggaris. “Go and Do Everything (Again)” imprints Avril Lavigne and borders punk imploying the luscious hook, “but, is this all another call to what you’ll never be anyway?” Titler: kitschy “Keep Talking” spawns spunky horn arrangements (Carluzzo/Schreier) contrasting the cocky vocal rant strapped to suspensions, “Under The Gun.” “Get Yourself Right” spins dreamy, redemptive ode while “Catastrophic” streams melodica passages waltzing through a key-change forest.- commingling with Tsaggaris’s frothy delivery. - POPMATTERS
Despite what they say about first impressions, in music it's the second impression that can be the most important. Call it what you want, the sophomore jinx or the sophomore slump, the second album determines whether an artist can match his or her first effort or even grow beyond it. D.C.-based artist Laura Tsaggaris (suh Gair iss) must've spent the four years between her 2005 debut Proof and her newest record, Keep Talking, thinking about second impressions, because it's clear she wants to throw out some of the singer/songwriter conventions from her introduction.
While Proof contained lush ballads broken up by the occasional up-tempo alt-country song, Keep Talking immediately breaks into three-chord rock and spacey synthesizers with the opening track, "Warning Signs". You could say it's Tsaggaris' warning that you're going to be disappointed if you're expecting more of the same. The piano and acoustic guitars still make an appearance, but the level of energy is generally kept at a seven or eight on the Spinal Tap scale. The upside with Keep Talking's new direction is that Tsaggaris displays a knack for crafting catchy pop songs, and she definitely has the chops to pull off rock vocals. The downside, however, is that the end result often verges on prosaic. There's very little to distinguish it from countless other artists. "Go and Do Everything (Again)" and "The Politician" could be Kelly Clarkson covers, with their fist-pumping choruses and call-and-response backing vocals.
That's not to say Keep Talking is unremarkable. Not at all. The album's slower numbers expand upon the talent Tsaggaris displayed on Proof, revealing her growth as a musician and a songwriter. "Catastrophic", one of the album's best tracks, is hauntingly beautiful in its simplicity. Tsaggaris' hushed vocals are pushed aside halfway through the song by a combination of swelling keyboard lines, a French horn and clarinets. The title track, "Keep Talking", ambles along like a true New Orleans-style jazz number, with a horn section accompanying Tsaggaris. Co-produced with Ian Schreier — who produced Proof and has worked with artists like Velvet Revolver and Clay Aiken — the production on the more rock-inspired numbers may be a little too clean at times, but it's pitch-perfect on tracks like "Keep Talking" and "Get Yourself Right". Of course, we're a sucker for a good pedal steel guitar.
If anything, Keep Talking is a great example of an artist comfortable with pushing herself in new directions, and we fully support that. Hopefully it doesn't take another four years to hear what she has to offer next. - DCist
Lots to like here (Keep Talking) from local singer song rocker Laura Tsaggaris. She ably utilizes every musical tool in her deep arsenal, and the result is a multi-layered, catchy listenable piece of work. Love the combination of gritty guitar and loopy sounds on “Warning Signs;” the jazzy horn-complemented title track; and the rocking “Under the Gun.” But don’t take our word for it. - ON TAP
