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VK Lynne: Whiskey or Water
VK Lynne Whiskey or Water new music review

VK Lynne: Whiskey or Water

Alternative/Blues Rock
Rating: 4.75/5.0

Independent/Self-Promotion
www.myspace.com/vklynne
www.vklynne.com
Review: Craig Hartranft,  06.07.2010

From the start, I just want to say that I did not give VK Lynne a high score simply because she grew up in my backyard. We both may be from PA Dutch country, but I did not show any favoritism because of it. Now that my conscience is clear, it's on to Ms. Lynne's latest release Whiskey or Water. This is dynamite stuff. I have not been this thoroughly intrigued with a female vocalist of the blues/country/rock persuasion since I listened to Mary Chapin Carpenter's Shooting Straight in the Dark, and that's twenty years ago!

Between her smoky and soulful vocal delivery and thoughtful lyrics, VK Lynne is a hidden gem in the alt/indie circuit. Her vocal style is genuinely unique, yet I hear Alannah Myles, Bonnie Raitt, and maybe a hint or two of Mary Chapin Carpenter. But the latter may only be because of the personal and honest nature of the lyrics. To that end, Ms. Lynne is bearing her soul here, exposing her spiritual journey over the past several years: "her struggles with anorexia, Hollywood, religious hypocrisy, and love." Considering the vile nature of religious hypocrisy, Lynne shows amazing resilience showing some resemblance of faith over the course of this disc.

All this cathartic soul searching is done in the context of some very attractive and ambitious modern rock. The foundation is melodic rock with a blues chaser, but the overall tone does not have you imagining previous era. One listen to Mess Like You or Dust Between Dirt will convince you that Lynne has an ear for innovation, having a finger on the pulse of current music. Then again, listening to the melancholy Whiskey or Water (possibly the finest track), finds Ms. Lynne reaching deep into a traditional blues motif that invokes both tragedy and hope. In the end, it's that voice shaping those gritty reflective words that makes Whiskey or Water so entertaining, and dangerous. That latter characteristic informs the disturbing, delicious and eerie blues of He Rolls. I like it all.

VK Lynne's Whiskey or Water is significant music. With the rare gift of coherent and honest lyrical expression, Lynne exposes her soul in the context of absolutely intriguing modern alt/blues rock. I just wish it was longer. Quite recommended. Buy this disc!

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In Short

VK Lynne's Whiskey or Water is significant music. With the rare gift of coherent and honest lyrical expression, Lynne exposes her soul in the context of absolutely intriguing modern alt/blues rock. Buy this disc!

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