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CD Review
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Spunout Central, CD Review >>
Even Sleepers can be pigeonholed as authentically sounding Goth music. Goth-rock and Goth-metal are too supremely nouveaux to reflect anything other than obviously faux and even silly forms of the inspired genre. Leah Callahan's initial solo outing reflects the naked sounds of the distant past--it is as if a hidden 'turn of the 20th century' recording was just found in a buried trunk and remastered on cd. Even Sleepers reeks of a long forgotten secret society.
Inherently eerie, the eclectically foreign sparseness is hair-raising. Leah's gypsy environment is cast with varying Latin and Turkish inspired strings, tinny percussion and intentional peripheral clutter. Somber jazzy-folk vocals are spun in an exotically foreign voice. Shaun Wolf Wortis' production and recording quality were seamless--its instrument, vocal separations and recording levels are both clean and somehow appropriate.
If a friend came to your residence (assuming that you are labeled as remotely 'normal') while listening to Leah's contribution, he or she may question your sanity. Even Sleepers is off-kilter and surreal alternative pop. "Valentine" is a sip of Turkey and David Bowie's "Alabama", while "The Sadness I Admire" et "Love Something" croon salaciously and "Shocking Pink" is an extreme body snatching sing-songy cut. Although the listed related bands represent a comparison to Leah, none closely resemble her lyrical darkness, untapped style, antique framing and cabaret-torched Elizabeth Shue appearance.
Does Norah Jones bore you? Do you need a little ungodly creeping ghastliness to lurk from your speakers? If so, Leah Callahan's conceptual art will entrance you.
Grade: B+ 12/01/03 >> go there
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