By Paul Iiams
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 19, 2002
Dyed in the Wool
Sometimes singer's, especially ones with the indie rock label attached to them, finds a style that makes them comfortable and then sticks with it.
Dyed in the wool, Shannon Wright's third solo effort, makes the blending of styles interesting, but also hard to label.
The first half of the album is a throwback to when rock was driven by haunting guitar beats and emotional lyrics. Some of the tracks, especially "The Hem Around Us," have a Moody Blues quality, while Wright's vocals seem to channel the spirit of Janis Joplin. But the meshing of '70s rock styles gives the first half of the album a lift above normal expectancies.
But the album doesn't stay on the classic rock course for long. After the title track, it seems as if the band leaves and is replaced by a newer, edgier group. Having to switch styles midstream could mean trouble for a singer, but Wright handles the change beautifully. She instantly becomes an indie rock chick, her classic rock persona seemingly no longer existing.
Dyed in the Wool is only 12 tracks, but you are basically getting two albums for the price of one. Whether you are a fan of modern alternative or classic rock, you will enjoy one half of the album and might just be surprised by the other.
