Ronley Teper "Cornered in the Alley" (Independent 2006)

Eclectic Nu-Freak Folk Perfect for Late Night Listening

'Cornered in the Alley' begins with 'A Little Bit', a sassy, attitude filled offering. Starting out with acoustic guitar and vocals before evolving into a lengthy, loose funk workout. Ronley Temper claims the 'recurring antagonist' on this album is 'Love', but don't expect any definite answers. What is presented is atmospheric, Acid-Jazz, laid back grooves topped by a voice not dissimilar to Ani Defranco. 'Ma Nishtana' is a sleazy slab of candle-lit, Parisian, cafe society noise complete with accordion and smoky vocal delivery. Lyrically the record is spurious and at some points perplexing. Does Ronley actually sing 'hope to Clapton' in the Eric borrowing 'Get It Over With' ? The overall feel of 'Cornered' is a mysterious, atmospheric walk in the woods, with great arrangements and nice use of instruments. Jamie Cullum aches to sound this cool.

Date review added:  Sunday, November 26, 2006
Reviewer:  Jason Walnut
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist Website