Elisa Flynn “Dimestore Mary” (Cat in a Dress 2006)

Post=punk folk with a slightly surreal twist

Elisa Flynn’s debut EP (though she’s played in numerous bands over the years, including the deliciously named Bunny Brains) recalls nothing so much as Billy Bragg when he was starting out. There’s the same not-played-very-well-but-surprisingly-effective chopped electric guitar chords, cheaply amplified. There’s the almost monotone vocal drone, though Flynn has a somewhat better voice. But whereas Bragg was all earnest preaching and slice-of-life vignettes, Flynn lives on the surreal and slightly kooky side of the street. There’s a song about a turtle king, there’s a song about a cheap plastic Virgin Mary coming to life. The world needs more songs like this. A little more musical light and shade would be welcome though, as there is a sameness to the vocals that she can just about get away with on a five track EP, but would undoubtedly outstay it’s welcome across a full album. Overall though “Dimestore Mary” piques the interest, and is engaging and interesting.

Date review added:  Sunday, July 23, 2006
Reviewer:  Jeremy Searle
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Elisa Flynn website