Venus Smile
Aquamarine, 2022
9/10
Alpha Cat is Elizabeth McCullough, who brings some very diverse sounds to this quick EP that welcomes an impressive cast of musicians who have played with REM, Lucinda Williams, Stevie Wonder and many others.
The title track opens the listen with Americana, pop and rock meeting at a very warm place, where breezy acoustic guitars and McCullough’s smooth, expressive singing makes an impression, and “Wichita” follows with a calm spirit that’s intimate and reflective and benefits much from Rich Feridun’s agile pedal steel guitar.
“Halfway” arrives at the halfway point, and showcases Jason Harrison Smith’s fluid drumming in a bit more rugged climate that has McCullough hitting some high notes, while “All In Your Head” is a bit more mysterious, with Doug Pettibone’s swirling guitar and Reggie McBride’s proficient bass that helps make this the best selection.
The listen ends with a live track, where “Armor” places Angela Babin on electric guitar for a meticulously textured and richly executed taste of their live show.
A record that carries themes of redemption and exhaustion, McCullough survived a decade long episode of depression, and the healing and separation that came with it has certainly affected her art in profound, captivating ways, as evidenced by this excellent listen.
Travels well with: Matt North- Bullies In The Backyard; Steve Dawson- at the bottom of a canyon in the branches of a tree