Phoenix

If you can't find something you like here, you're not trying.

     

I've spent a lot of time trying to think of a way to describe Serena Andrews' "Phoenix," and what I've come up with is Smart-Electro-Art-Dance-Soul-Pop. It doesn't lend itself well to record store section labeling, but I think it's pretty accurate. There's a theatricality to Andrews' work that cannot be denied, and not in that high school theatre kid "look at me, look at me" way, but in that each song is its own persona, carefully crafted and put on display for the audience... performance art for the ears, only without all the pretention and at times pretty funky (the good kind). The woman clearly has a lot of tools in her kit, and a whole lot of them on display here, so if a particular song doesn't quite float your boat, one that does will come along soon enough. There's a lot to like here, and very likely something for just about everyone, whether you're looking to boogie or just want some background for drinks and really excellent conversation.

If you're looking for comparison, there's a little Amanda Palmer here (closer to her solo material than her Dresden Dolls stuff), some Tori Amos (from back before she started writing songs exclusively for faeries), and maybe a little early Bjork (from back before she assaulted photographers and dressed like water fowl). "Kid Heroes" is my favorite overall, but it's all good stuff. Go and download already.