Praise
for From Where You Are
Performing Songwriter Magazine Sept/Oct. 2006

Layered acoustic guitars solidify the rhythm on Los Angeles resident Melineh Kurdian’s debut record. On “As Good As You,” a lone electric guitar fills the spaces between lyrics telling a lover “You know everything / Oracles, stars and swings.” On “Icarus Kiss” Kurdian’s vocals are doubled for a pleasant, fuller effect. “I’m burning like Icarus,” she sings, recalling the Greek mythological character that flew too close to the sun. “Goddamn and Just Do” carries the energy of an out-of-control freight train as Kurdian instructs a suffering sop to “Pack your heartache, put away your bellyache.”
Kurdian’s vocals move from smart and sassy to sweet and sultry. Arrangements are kept sparse—a cello here, mandolin there—to let her literate lyrics shine through. Acoustic pop fans take note—Kurdian’s From Where You Are is the real deal, poised to grab you wherever you are.
Hyperactive Music Magazine Jan/Feb 2006

Ah, the sound of female vocalists possessing rock n’ roll backbone with singer-songwriter brilliance. Bring Melineh Kurdian to a public which already knows Ani DiFranco, Dar Williams, and Lucy Kaplansky, and you will make joy. This album shouts funky harmonies and a rocking sound with impulsive lyrics - you WILL sing out loud. Her sound is passionate and playful, desiring and warm. Tracks like “Icarus Kiss” underline a stellar sound, while harmonica supports an already strong guitar throughout. This is a definite winner, a must-listen for all of us. Hail, Kurdian! - Mallory Richard
Jon Sobel, Blogcritics.org

Folk-rocker Melineh Kurdian takes inspiration from the Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco as well as the traditions of American roots music. What sets Kurdian apart is the sheer beauty of her songs and of the voice that brings them to life, a voice with a measure of Patty Griffin's ability to wrench the heart. "Santa Maria" almost knocks you over with loveliness; "Devil's Child" is a poignant, almost achingly generous response to intolerance. "Goddamn n' Just Do" is a muscular take on the "Hit the Road, Jack" theme: "I am the unexpected man that can, I am a wild woman you don't know could/I am what you could and should but won't 'cause you won't follow through... So, pack your heartache, put away your bellyache/Goddamn and Just Do." Put that in your pipe and smoke it, [insert teenage pop moppet here].
Amy Lotsberg, Collected Sounds

Melineh Kurdian has a lovely voice. It is some times sweet and sometimes strong. She even reminds me of Ani DiFranco when she (Ani) shows her softer side.

"Icarus Kiss" is probably my favorite; it's certainly a stand out. It makes me want to sing along. The tempo changes make it even more interesting.

This is a great effort and one that will be loved by many a music fan.