Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Gin Wigmore - Holy Smoke (2010)

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Lyrics from lead track "Oh My": "I've had two years in heaven, but five weeks in, hell/Where do I go now?" sets the stage for the debut album from New Zealand songtress Gin Wigmore. The follow up to her Extended Play EP, Holy Smoke, was released in the fall of last year abroad and enjoying release in the States earlier this week on Universal Motown Records and features Gin delivering tongue-in-cheek vocals backed by The Cardinals such as second track "Hey Ho" which has Wigmore delivering threats to the one who wronged her. Gin Wigmore's dry raspy voice and take-no-prisoners song lyrics almost make tender tracks like "I Do" and "Dying Day" seem like an impossibility. But she manages to dull her hard rock edge and display an emotional vulnerability in these songs that would really move most listeners. The balance between tough and vulnerable is achieved with fun tracks like "Mr. Freakshow" where Wigmore makes it clear she doesn't want to be treated like a lady and "One Last Look". Wigmore's debut album is a delightful balance between rock-fuelled silliness, seriousness, and sensuality in a similar manner to her Extended Play. Holy Smoke is pop with a hard rock feel that progresses into a tender territory in a way that will have listeners craving for more. Luckily Gin is coming stateside to play a few tour dates at this year's SXSW, so those craving a live performance won't have to look too hard to see her.

Enjoy the fast-paced first single and lead track from Holy Smoke "Oh My":

No comments:

Post a Comment