Album Review: Maxine Kauter Band – Alibech The Hermit
Maxine Kauter Band
Alibech The Hermit
Self- released
****
The annual meetings of the Bluesy-Folky-Pop Singers Collective have always been well-attended affairs. Particularly the Australian chapter, where currently our cup runneth over. Blasko, Bowditch, Throsby, and Julia Stone dominate the national scene, while splendid Sydney up-and-comers like Emma Davis and Girl Most Likely jostle with Mia Dyson and Adalita Srsen for the limited airspace leftover. Sydney’s Maxine Kauter joins the ranks with her debut album, a modest seven-track affair that manages to pack some blissful moments into its brisk 28 minutes.
More badass and bluesy than girlish whimsy, Kauter is backed by a damn fine band that fleshes out the very fine bones of her songwriting. Kauter proves herself a versatile performer, by turns breathy troubadour and badass guitar hero. But the release is credited to the Maxine Kauter Band, which tells you a little about the interplay here – because while the softer tracks are lovely, and both Kauter’s lyrics and voice are full of character and depth, it is the rockier, full band numbers that really grab your attention.
‘My Maria’ is a slow burner that manages to subtly accumulate tension before letting it all go in a sublime blaze of guitar and organ; ‘Inside Down’ manages a similar feat with a more conspicuous crescendo, but it is no less exhilarating once it finally takes off – but it’s gone much too soon. I can imagine that these songs could really soar live, if given a little room to breathe and to expand.
Kauter & Co. put a very promising foot forward; this debut is worth far more than the $0 that they’re charging.
Hugh Robertson
Posted: March 21st, 2011 under Album Reviews, Brag 403 (March 14), Music.
Tags: Hugh Robertson, Maxine Kauter Band, The Brag
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