EVANGELISTA

In Animal Tongue
CST [09/20/2011]

The road makes for good records. Just ask Bruce Springsteen or Willie Nelson. Evangelista - helmed by singer/songwriter / instrumentalist Carla Bozulich (you may remember her from Ethyl Meatplow and the Geraldine Fibbers) - takes a decidedly dark turn on her fourth record under this moniker aptly titled In Animal Tongue which is a song-cycle comprised of compositions created as a result of her "escape from Los Angeles" and consequential nomadic existence.

To the uninitiated ear, Bozulich's voice may remind you of a young Patti Smith since her timbre and phrasing evoke striking memories of Radio Ethiopia, as does her penchant for talk-singing. But that's where the similarity ends as her uber-Goth band-mates (bassist Tara Barnes, pianist Dominic Cramp) and guest musicians (Sam Dickens of The Dead Science, Shahzad Ismaily from Laurie Anderson, John Eichenseer of jhno) forge a gloomy, sparse backdrop with tempos so darn slow that they hardly exist! The violins which sustain "Bells Ring Fire" creep along in a low register as Bozulich's stark vocal melodies incorporate interesting jazz-like melodies at various interludes -she should offer this composition to Cassandra Wilson or Tony Bennett! Car radio effects and chimes add an extra measure of spookiness in the angular, expressionistic "Die Alone." Open high-hat rhythms provide the basis of the title track whilst Bozulich's craggy voice navigates an apocalyptic canvas of keyboards and strings (The chorus provides the album's single memorable melodic hook!)

This long-long long player comes highly recommended for fans of experimental, spoken word, and punk poetry. Editors Note: Be sure to check out Bozulich's re-interpretation of Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger under her own name wherein she emerges as a rather conventional and most engaging songstress.
--Tom Semioli

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