Mia Riddle & Her Band “Tigers” (Independent 2006)

Do tame tigers exist?

This is an understated gem full of dark beauty - Riddle's voice doesn’t call undue attention to itself; it is modest - it could be prettier but she uses it purely in service of the songs. The songs are melancholy, shadowed, tender and at times quite beautiful. She is like a less intense Nina Nastassia or not quite so acerbic Jenny Toomey. The minor chords pull you in as they turn downwards towards sadness. The song ‘Tigers’ is definitely one for fans of Laura Veirs, inhabiting the same kind of space and the use of vibes sprinkles the same kind of stardust that twinkled through ‘Year of Meteors’. Songs like ‘Say What You Want’ with playful chords at odds with the plaintive vocal elevate these above the average. ‘Snowstorm’ has little string plucks, gentle as the flakes, then blizzards of guitar ushering in the storm; you seek warmth in the mulled wine vocal. ‘Tender’ is a good place to close as it describes these songs beautifully, full of feeling and with plenty of space to let the songs breathe - a short respite from the ugliness of the world.

Date review added:  Monday, January 22, 2007
Reviewer:  David Cowling
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  The official website