It is rare that I focus on a band name. But this is an exceptional case. That name is totally bad ass. Three women who don’t belong to anyone. They are their own people and damn sure have their own way of doing things. This is certainly one of the most creative and thought provoking names to come across this guy’s desk.
I can’t lie, it’s poppy. But, and there is a huge but, they rock. I think rocking trumps everything. Although Waterline has pretty heavy pop leanings, it is the good pop, not the bad kind. Good pop means well written, well played songs that are designed to have some audience appeal, but still have substance. These songs are very heavy on substance.
Rebecca Loebe, Bettysoo, and Grace Pettis are the personnel that comprises Nobody’s Girl. They have been friends for ten years and all the women have had individual success. Clearly, they realized that their three voices together creates something magical and special. I have one listen in and I am starting to realize exactly how infectious these tunes are. The harmonies are the star of this show.
I am going to start at the end to demonstrate my point about the harmonies. What’ll I Do – Live (Track 7) shows exactly just how talented these musicians are. This is a live recording. No bells and whistles, just the sheer talent and chemistry that comes through the speakers. The pleasure that those harmonies deliver to my ears is immeasurable.
Waterline (Track 2), the title track, looks like it is poised for chart topping success. All of the elements are there: good writing, impeccable singing and playing, and a masterful production job. The thing that makes this song shine is again the harmonies. They definitely give me that goose flesh that happens when I hear something that I really connect with.
A song that strays a bit from the pop business model isQueen City (Track 3). This song has more of a female vocalist/vaudeville thing going on. There is a huge interruption in the middle of this number of some super spacey guitar parts and with a good bit of volume attached. It’s loud and full of angst, while remaining classy and sophisticated.
Run, don’t walk, to your nearest music store or Amazon, Apple, etc. Don’t let the “P” (pop) word throw you. I give this the TwangriLa seal of approval. Now if you will excuse me, time for another listen.
