Album Review

Annie Minogue –

• 18th Feb 2008

First off… it’s Annie not Dannii and perhaps most importantly, no relation to her or Kylie. Now we’ve established that, we can continue without any suppressed dread that newcomers to Annie Minogue’s music might unfairly succumb to. And hot damn I mean unfairly! Any sceptics should at least listen to (and perhaps forgive the Roxette echoing backing vocals) ‘Down’ for a taster of what’s on offer here.

Annie Minogue’s rock ballad based pop is indeed worthy of its high profile (Dave Navarro, Dave Lee Roth, Steve Miller and others) and award winning (national artist & female vocalist of the year, top music artist, popular music and others) attracting stature. And with a sorrowful, sincerity soaked Cher, Meredith Brooks and Siobhan Fahey resounding voice accentuating the sure footed, sharpshooting soundscape of her supporting band (Jeff Catania: guitars/ Nick Saya: drums, songwriter, producer/Nunzio Signore: guitars, vocals/Peter Williamson: bass/vocals), angel faced Minogue can surely do no wrong, right?

What they’ve got going for themselves certainly outshines any shortcomings with regard to predictability, imagination or monotony. And so the only suggestion would be to stir it up a little and escape from the safety of those well defined boundaries and well executed yet been done before parameters. With such precisely placed percussion, graciously garnered guitar skills and an undeniably engaging voice all sewn together with a sharp needle of talent, whatever’s strewn from the studio will please.