“Finally a lady who dares to step in the big footsteps of Kate Bush and Tori Amos. Although ‘stepping’ is not the right term for Laura Meade’s sensitive creations. Meade, who will surely be remembered by the connoisseurs of IZZ’s last album, My River Flows, quite confidently slips and glides down that very path once cleared by those piano ladies.

Inspired by the ardent wish to realize her own ideas outside of the ... IZZ concept, Laura Meade entered the studio in order to create a 5-song EP with her own personal sense of style. A portion of her IZZ colleagues quickly came to help out, although her successful debut has little to do with the big gestures of her habitual band. Here there are no synthesizers, no aggressive fuzz-guitars (except for the lead guitar at the end of “Charming”). What dominates here is a relaxed feeling, a sense of comfort and quiet, which seem to flow naturally out of the fingers of this lady.  Of course, sometimes there is an up-tempo, when Laura attempts to chase away her vulnerability with an assertively cheerful mood...

Laura Meade’s debut EP wins us over with its refined songs with their tasteful instrumentals and it makes us curious about a complete album of this lady, whose website photo, one may say in passing, exudes real star appeal.”

home-of-rock.de

“Equipped with a theater background, Meade became a member of the progressive rock band IZZ in 2002.  And now we have her solo-debut, called simply “Laura Meade”, consisting of a 5 song EP.  

Is this a new star on the singer/songwriter horizon?  Well, Miss Meade is at least well on her way there.  Sparingly accompanied by the piano (her own playing), guitar, bass and drums, our good Laura first of all pulls a very effective “Charming” out of her hat, carried by the piano and by the reserved and very professional participation of her band members.  Very catchy and good for the radio, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that song were to become popular all over, reinforced by the various radio stations.

“Best Defenses” is quieter, more introverted, again defined by the piano, and it’s mood reminds one a little of Patti Smith in the 70s.  No doubt about it, Ms. Meade can sing, and sometimes some very difficult vocal sections parade across the stage.  On the other hand, “Kerri’s Song” seems to have wings.  Again, very nice melodies and again very suitable for the radio, without ever cozying up to a particular trend...

The songs “Then I Could See” and “Plucking Whispers” confirm the very good impression that Laura Meade leaves behind.  The texts are always about human relationships, though there are no soapsuds here and no ‘love-leave-cry’ clichés are used.  On the contrary, there is some serious digging going on here in the suitcase of feelings, and even in the human soul.  So here too: Thumbs up!!

According to the label info, the pianist and singer will be going on extensive tours to promote the EP.  Maybe she’ll manage a few intermediary stops in the studio, since this EP awakens an enormous desire for a complete album.”

rocktimes.de

“Singer-songwriter Laura Meade... is making some noise with her gentle songs... Meade has a mellifluous voice, but her own material has teeth: On "Charming," she issues the honey-voiced taunt, ‘Think you're gonna save me now/Well, I'd like to see you try/Get in line behind all the other suckers for a damsel in distress.’”

Newsday.com