I’m a big WM fan, so it hurts to say that I wasn’t as drawn to her newly released EP as is normal. Occasionally I think that it’s a detriment to the fan if they have heard an artist primarily in a live setting; as is my exposure to this musician has been. Monge has an INCREDIBLE voice. It is what she is known for. If you walk into the Pike Street Market when Whitney is there, you know immediately, because her style and sound are unmistakable. Because this is the main element attracting myself and so many like me to her work it is a hard pill to swallow when you realize that The Steadfast EP doesn’t translate that.

No one would be able to deny the talent and heart put into each of the 5 songs, but if you had exposure to the artist previously you would know this isn’t as good as it gets. The EP isn’t without its bright spots of hope and clarity; where you can hear the Whitney that everyone falls in love with.

Tomorrow Is what happens when that light shines through. The lyrics are my favorite but the vocals are crystallized with the sensitivity that Monge brings to all of her work. It is what makes so many people identify with her art.

Moral of the Review While not the best this artist has to offer it doesn’t completely miss the mark. Sometimes being familiar causes more problems than it should. Monge has one of the best voices on the Seattle music scene, but it was buried in production. Luckily she has many years and albums ahead of her to refine what makes people respond to her with such positive force.