Saint Bernadette are an arresting combination; borne from the talents of a singer whose performance evoke sultry jazz singers whilst the classic guitar stylings of her songwriting partner could soundtrack several Western movies. From this, the core duo of Meredith DiMenna and Keith Saunders have created a record which at times sounds like a perfect shot in the arm for vintage jazz and rock.
Like a more strident version of Julie London’s ‘Cry Me A River’, ‘I Own The City’ is the perfect way to start. The similarly excellent ‘Bound To Do’ is more reminiscent of Portishead with DiMenna’s Beth Gibbons-like vocals rallying against Saunders’ howling Western guitar shapes; the modern production bringing everything bang up to date. Thereafter the momentum is never as consistently startling, sometimes choosing to settle into a sensual late night groove. Yet ‘Money In The Air’, ‘No Dreams’ and the epic ‘Lay Me Down’ are arresting showcases for the supreme power of DiMenna’s lungs whilst ‘Pieces’ features a memorable, hook-laden chorus. ‘In The Ballroom’ is a fine record, not least for the unleashing of a great new voice in modern music but her bandmates contribute fully to their strong and unique identity.
Web Sites:
Saint Bernadette Official Site
Saint Bernadette MySpace
Further Listening:
Sam Brown, Swing Out Sister, Portishead, Howling Bells
0 Responses to “Review: Saint Bernadette – In The Ballroom”