While most may recognize the name Kat Von D as a famed tattooist, turned television celebrity thanks to interest in TLC series LA Ink, there is still much more to her artistry. Becoming well-known during LA Ink’s four season run (2007-11), in that time she was seen tattooing various celebrities at her shop High Voltage Tattoo in Los Angeles, but again, had a lot more to offer. Going onto launch a make-up line for Sephora, she also attended the MusInk Tattoo Convention and Music Festival, and soon found herself involved in music.
An interesting path, her passion for music resulted in honing her voice; where she was first featured offering female vocals to The 69 Eyes‘ 2012 song “Rosary Blue.” From here going on to collaborate with Prayers in 2016, she would also make appearances with IAMX, along with Gunship. Looked at as a curious novelty by many at the time, fast forward to 2021, she surprised everyone with her own album Love Made Me Do It. A fascinating debut, it was dark yet filled with a passion and hope that drove the music forward. Now, three years later, Kat Von D proudly released her sophomore album, My Side of the Mountain.
Naming the album after the Jean George 1959 book My Side of the Mountain, the new collection of songs arrives on September 20, 2024 via Kat von D’s own label. Clearly putting all of herself into the music, Kat Von D expresses many emotions here; ranging from love and heartache, to feelings of loneliness. Something many can relate to in feeling disenfranchised with the world, joining Kat Von D is a couple of compelling guests (Singer-Songwriter Ferras and Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz).
Consisting of twelve tracks lasting for about forty-five minutes, the album begins with the very catchy “Dead.” A good taste of what is to come, “Vampire Love” adds a bit of a dance floor vibe to the mood, while “Truth In Reverse” brings in some Industrial elements that almost remind you a bit of Combichrist. From here other standouts include “Set Myself on Fire” with a beginning that reminds you of the 2010’s Tron: Legacy soundtrack, while Ferras’ vocals are reminiscent of Depeche Mode. This is while “I Am A Machine,” guides you through with intense growling/screaming from Alissa White-Gluz, and features all the typical elements of Heavy Metal.
Pouring over with so much to dig into, the short, but lovely “Interlude II” feels like something from Stranger Things, acting as a smooth lead into the sad and melancholic “Running Away.” However, it is the closing cover of Eric Carmen’s 1975 song “All By Myself” that truly galvanized this album. Heartfelt, it may not be a complete cover of the hit, but it sends a strong message long after the music dies out.
The lyrics inside My Side of the Mountain are very personal; talking a lot about lies, hate, pain, but also love. In all, My Side of the Mountain is an album that takes you through the ups and downs of life and love. Wrapped in beautiful and catchy tunes, it is an album that will deep underneath your skin while it simultaneously pulls you onto the dance floor. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Kat Von D’s My Side of the Mountain 5 out of 5 stars.
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