People Eating People

Album Review

When an artist has a name like People Eating People, the natural assumption is that something really wild and in-your-face is being offered — perhaps grindcore/death metal, or perhaps a punk or thrash metal band with a twisted sense of humor. But this self-titled album by People Eating People doesn't sound anything like Cannibal Corpse or Vomitory. Actually, People Eating People favors dusky, moody adult alternative pop/rock with hints of jazz and German cabaret. And People Eating People isn't the name of a group — at least not on this late 2009 release. People Eating People is a solo project from Seattle-based singer/songwriter Nouela Johnston, best known for her contributions to the punky electroclash/alternative power pop band Mon Frère (whose name means "My Brother" in French). With Mon Frère, Johnston's singing was — on more than one occasion — described as a blend of Gwen Stefani and Björk. But here, Johnston's work is more like Björk, Tori Amos, and Fiona Apple by way of Nellie McKay (with hints of the Dresden Dolls and traces of Kurt Weill). The material on this 46-minute CD is a definite departure from Mon Frère, and it is a lot more introspective. But for all their quirky, artsy introspection, tracks like "Rain, Rain," "Let's Rage" (which incorporates George Gershwin's "Summertime"), "On and On," and "I Hate All My Friends" are quite accessible. There are hooks galore on this album; musically and melodically, Johnston's songs are quite addictive even though her lyrics are not simplistic by any means. Anyone who expects People Eating People to be a carbon copy of Mon Frère is bound to be disappointed, but those who are open to the idea of Johnston moving in more of an adult alternative direction will find a lot to savor on this excellent CD.