The EP opens with its title track, "A Week In June." "I'm so sick of seeing skinny jeans at the Good Will by my house/I want a silky dress covered in strawberries/And maybe a purse with a painted-on horse," Kaat sings. And with those opening lines, she creates a character that is endearing, someone we connect to immediately. The song has a hopeful tone, a tone that says the world could be a better place. But we're caught between what could be and what is, as she reminds us with the lines "And I shouldn't be out/Taxes drained my account this year." Oh yes, I can certainly relate to that. Federal taxes have screwed us again, haven't they? This song is about being a singer/songwriter, and she reveals, "Each verse is a story that happened this week." This song features sweet work on mandolin that helps create the light atmosphere, and some wonderful percussion. I think it would be difficult to keep from falling in love with this song and with this artist. "The doctor prescribed me these painkiller pills/And I cried for a day and I couldn't take a shit." And when she sings "These silly little times that just keep me smiling," we find that we too are smiling. And isn't that remarkable in these insane times? "And I just can't stop smiling." That's followed by "Home." I've said it before, but I've never come across a bad song titled "Home." Something about the concept of home seems to bring out the best in songwriters. Kaatwalk's "Home" is a beautiful, touching song, with some gentle work on acoustic guitar. "Miss the old days and feeling young." And when she sings, "I want to come home," we feel it too. Going home always is so appealing in songs. I love Kaat's honest, and even vulnerable, delivery. "And life gets so hard to navigate." This track features some gorgeous work on strings. Marvin Gohman plays violin, and Cierra Hill plays both cello and viola.
"Open Your Eyes" then has a cool, strong energy, and features some good work on banjo. The song addresses what has been consuming many of us for what seems like far too long. "Maybe we didn't vote the same/Maybe we don't agree/And why can't you find love in your heart/And admit when the government is killing people in the street/And how long will it take for you to open your eyes/And how long will it take for you to open your eyes/How long?" I no longer have any faith that these people will open their eyes. They've gone too far, too long, and no one can admit to making a mistake anymore. But of course it goes far beyond simply making a mistake. His supporters didn't just vote for all this; they wanted it, they revel in it. If those folks want to return to humanity, they're going to have to do some work before they'll be welcomed back. This song becomes even more compelling when it slows down halfway through, Kaat delivering a passionate, moving vocal performance. The EP concludes with "Thank You For Being You," Kaat's voice supported by her own work on piano, and also on synthesizer. "Somedays when I wake up/My head's not screwed on straight/Some days when I get up/I don't wanna be awake." Again, she delivers opening lines that we can all relate to. And those lines are delivered simply, honestly. Here too there is a vulnerable quality to her voice that is endearing. There is power too, as the song progresses. And a great deal of love. "We all need a friend/We all need a friend/So I thank you for being you." Life is so short, and this is probably all we get. Take a moment to thank those who are important to you.
CD Track List
- A Week In June
- Home
- Open Your Eyes
- Thank You For Being You
A Week In June is scheduled to be released on June 26, 2026. And for those in Minnesota, the release party is June 24th at Aster Cafe in Minneapolis. I am looking forward to hearing whatever Kaatwalk does next.
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