Clare Burson “Thieves” (Independent, 2007)

A thrill from start to finish.

On this second album from this Brooklyn based songster, there is a wealth of talent. With a sympathetic production by fognode (Brian Siskind) the sound jumps out of the speakers, with a wraparound quality, guitars and vocals achieve an intense but ambient sound that seems to be the aural equivalent of Cinemascope.

Burson, by and large, manages to write and sing songs that fill this widescreen canvas. Set against clarion guitars, washes of keyboard and synthesisers and intricate percussive backgrounds her voice rings clear and powerful. There are heartstopping moments such as her crooning in the middle of the title song while the band chug along like a mescal filled Weimar cabaret combo. Angels rips away from the start with a crunchy guitar intro leading into a fantastic song that Lucinda Williams would die for. With vibraphone throbbing away throughout the song and a soaring pedal steel part, Burson sings like an angel. On 1000 Miles her vocals edge towards Joni Mitchell as the band pound out a percussive beat.

At times the feel is more intimate, Always Be is a gentle love song cushioned by an acoustic guitar and viola, however her attempt at turning the old Nancy Sinatra chestnut, Those Boots are Made For Walking, into a Southern gothic dirge falls flat and is the weakest song on the album.

Date review added:  Saturday, October 06, 2007
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
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