Winnipeg Free Press Review- Jan 2011
DAVE Quanbury and Brandy Zdan moved to Austin, Texas two years ago, but living in the Live Music Capital of the World hasn’t affected the duo’s core sound, a combination of dark roots and experimental cabaret, although this time around the blues are buried a little deeper and the songs are a little quieter.
The title track kicks things off with a noir-ish vibe before Zdan’s accordion shifts things into cabaret mode on What Do I Know About Love?, featuring some haunting harmonizing that stands as one of the album’s highlights. Elsewhere, they deliver a mellow shuffle on the autobiographical story Mahogany Veneer; sound like a Jack White-fuelled Calexico on the dusty Tex-Mex of The Master; and Zdan shows off the powerful soulfulness of her voice on the slow-burning, The Darkness.
The whole album is a bit of a slow-burn filled with occasional sparks, but starts to lose steam by the end. Still it’s a solid addition to the couple’s ever-evolving catalogue and should work as the perfect soundtrack on dark and stormy nights. 3 stars
Rob Williams
