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Phil Strongman guides us through the key music releases of the moment...
EMMA TRICCA Minor White (Bird)
Although comparatively young, Emma Tricca has been hanging out, and jamming with, various folk legends for much of the last few years – mainly because they respect her sheer volume of talent, both as a performer and songwriter. Their faith has been rewarded as her crystal clear, soaring voice is perfectly showcased on this dynamic, charming acoustic set . 'Minor White' was actually recorded, and scrapped, three times between 2004 and 2008. Ms Tricca's perfection has paid off, though, her vocals here are uniquely hers while still conjuring up faint echoes of the greats – Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell etc... The finger-picking guitar is a revelation as well while the light percussion and Hammond touches only add to the atmospheric magic on display here. Her fans have waited a long, long time for this – and amazingly it's been well worth every minute of the wait. She may be white but this album is anything but minor. Exceptional stuff. ***** (5 stars)
THE PRISCILLAS 10,000 Volts (Nag's Head)
Take one dark-haired New York beauty add two London blondes, a gum-chewing (male) drummer and throw in a lot of 'new wavey' Camden attitude and what do you have? The Priscillas. They were always fun – and frontwoman Jenny Drag is a natural star - but this, their second album, is a huge leap forward. They've dropped some of the kitsch camp audio-visuals and now deal in a far better quality of song. 'Timing' and 'All The Way To Holloway' are classic modern city songs that Ray Davies' Kinks or The Buzzcocks wouldn't be ashamed of. The latter track in particular is a 'Waterloo Sunset' for the 21st Century – except its faster, sharper, brighter and more flip, as befits the shiny mess that is now. Indie punk pop of the highest order, disposability that's truly built to last. ***** (5 stars)
THE BARKER BAND Sorry For The Kissing (Baroos)
One of London's finest country rock bands do that Nashville thing in their own inimitable way... and it works – most of the time. It's all well-sung – and well-arranged – and pretty melodic so maybe I'm nit-picking to expect a bit more creative energy. Most modern country fans will still warm to the tight playing and Nella Johnson's yearning vocals. There's a few too many ballads for my liking but when the Barkers are good – as on the uptempo 'Cut You Down' – they're very good. *** (3 stars)
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