The vocals on LaRue's third offering, Reaching, are the reason the disc should draw listeners like moths to a flame. Produced by the powerhouse tandem of producers Monroe Jones, (Third Day, Luna Halo), Matt Bronleewe (dc Talk, Rebecca St. James), and Ken Mary, the disc is a spiritual lighthouse. Songs like "Tonight" and "Everything" find the brother/sister duo delving into alternative rock territory with confidence and ease. At times Natalie LaRue sounds like Plumb, while at others her vocals lean more toward Sixpence None the Richer's Leigh Nash, while brother Philip leans toward a Johnny Rzeznik Goo Goo Dolls vibe. The beauty of the disc is the effortlessness with which the duo's vocals mesh together to form a singular voice. Musically, Reaching offers up several feels throughout, with the predominant theme being guitar-laced alternative ditties with an earthy feel, although piano and synth nuances are well-placed as well. Reaching feels like the next step for LaRue. The disc offers tunes that are written from the heart, and Natalie and Philip LaRue wear their hearts on their sleeves.
© Steven Douglas Losey /TiVo