Pearl Harbor 2020
Aquamarine, 2021
8/10
Elizabeth McCullough’s debut album as Alpha Cat, that was originally released in 2001, Pearl Harbor returns here in an expanded package, where 2 additional songs recorded in McCullough’s home in the mid ‘90s are included and appreciated.
The 15 track listen leads with “Something Of Value”, where playful bass work and a hypnotic jangle instantly draw the listener in alongside McCullough’s rugged yet tuneful singing, and “Once Upon A Time” follows with soaring backing vocals complementing the spirited guitar work as subtle brass enters a diverse formula.
The middle tracks offer us the slow and powerful “All Mine”, where much emotion weaves in and out of thick guitars and orchestral strings, while “Sometimes When I Wake” flows with breezy melodies amid some college rock grit. “Straw Hat” then takes the acoustic route with much beauty in McCullough’s eloquent, expressive delivery.
Deeper yet, “The Truth” offers a crunchy alt-rocker, and “Cling” carries a similar demeanor with its crashing drums and more raw direction. “Love With What You’ve Got…” finishes out the listen rhythmic, dynamic and with no shortage timeless songwriting from a very thoughtful mind and superb talent.
Even though Alpha Cat saw some modest success on the charts in the late ‘90s/early 2000’s and developed a devoted fanbase, Pearl Harbor was released right around the time 9/11 happened, and radio stations were hesitant to play the album.
Now, 20 years later, McCullough’s retro-rock nods (think Fleetwood Mac), and similarities to Beth Orton or Joseph Arthur sound better than ever, as her work has clearly aged well and is just as relevant today as it was in her heyday on this very welcomed reissue.
Travels well with: Beth Lee- Waiting On You Tonight; Jillette Johnson- It’s A Beautiful Day And I Love You