Blood In Her Dreams
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
A multi-instrumentalist and pioneer in the openly transgender scene, Shawna Virago pens an album that explores her life as a touring musician in a vulnerable and forthright fashion that straddles punk and country.
“Climb To The Bottom” starts the listen with Lien Do’s frisky drums complementing Virago’s distinct voice and the shimmering guitar work, and “Bright Green Ideas” follows with a frisky and upbeat mood that thumps with grit and melody.
Further along, “Somewhere On The Border” comes with a timeless rock’n’roll spirit that’s got a soulful energy and some twang, while “This Girl Felt Hounded” flirts with honky tonk and certainly could get you on the dancefloor.
Close to the end, “Highroad No. 6” carries a dreamy spirit of classic country nods, and “Climb To The Bottom” exits with a breezy, warm mood that emits a slight jangle and folksy sensibilities that are as memorable as they are timeless.
You might be reminded of Guy Clarke, Townes Van Zandt and Lucinda Williams when listening to Virago’s work, and clever subgenres like alt-americana and punky tonk certainly are applicable to this impressive outing.
Travels well with: Shannon Vetter- Holding Pattern; The Northern Belle- Bats In The Attic