Album Review

Monica Shannon –

• 14th Apr 2008

Another week, another female singer-songwriter. The only difference is that Monica Shannon has a wonderful group of backing musicians to support her. This Italian newcomer has a nice enough voice, almost like a female Maynard James Keenan, but volume is not her forte.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the music is at times splendid. The Iron Train is the stand-out track, reminiscent of Air’s epic Alone in Kyoto from the Lost in Translation soundtrack. On this, and on other tracks like I’m Aware, Shannon’s voice is gentle enough to complement the music without detracting from its own qualities.

Of course, this means when the music is less impressive she is forced to rescue songs with her vocals. On this front, Shannon’s efforts generally prove futile.

This is certainly a hit-and-miss album, but it’s probably worth giving it a listen simply because the hits are so good.