"Thorny Devil" by Kristin Shout and Smoking Kitten

a Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

I wrote about an EP by Ms. Shout a few years ago and was impressed. It was a class act, and thankfully so is this full-length debut.

We get a country flavour alongside the cabaret stylings.

Opener "The Rise and Fall of Casper Jones" is all mariachi band grandeur alongside Link Wray guitars.

The title song sees Shout singing passionately to a softer backing. She and her band have a real creative synergy on these songs.

"Mobster in Costume" is a cabaret track with words of crime and an addiction to danger. Shout s a superior chanteuse in any style and this suits her well. The lonesome sound of "Tale of a Texas rancher" is deeply moving. Shout's voice approaches the longing of Lucinda Williams.

Kristin Shout and Smoking Kitten's debut is fierce, passionate and I strongly recommend it to almost anyone.

Posted on February 23, 2006