“Trish Anderson’s energetic vocal gymnastics surface on Mrs Wainwright’s Deadman
author: David Dawson Beat Magazine May ‘05
“Trish Anderson’s energetic vocal gymnastics surface on Mrs Wainwright’s four song debut Deadman’s Pocket (Croxton). Theres even a hint of Jefferson Airplanes Grace Slick in her atmospheric title track....It’s a contrast....to ...the haunting beauty of ...Dreams are Soft”
Guitarist Pete McKenna borrows from a crime narrative genre tilled by artists diverse as Tom Pacheco, Charlie Robison and Robert Earle Keen in Story Writer.”
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...take a chance on acts like Mrs Wainwright.
author: jpol - Friday, Jul 01, 2005. 10:53
The past few years have seen a number of unusual suspects rise to the top of the Australian music scene. Kasey Chambers, the John Butler Trio and The Waifs can all lay claim to multi-platinum albums. Perth's Little Birdy are beginning to taste similar success.
These artists have achieved success on their own terms, for the most part playing music which would not usually be embraced by mainstream radio and audiences. This will hopefully encourage radio stations to take a chance on acts like Mrs Wainwright.
Deadman's Pocket is a four track EP encompassing everything from country to rock, back to the blues and a healthy dose of American roots music. The title track relies heavily on the latter, the hypnotic vocals of Trish Anderson duelling for supremacy with some spookily atmospheric guitars. Dreams Are Soft has a timeless quality to it; upon first listen I could have sworn I'd heard it before. A slow-burning country lament, it sounds vaguely like something the late Johnny Cash might have recorded in his later years. Story Writer, the rockiest of the buncg, both musically and vocally lends itself to comparisons to both R.E.M and Midnight Oil.
Closing track Oh Louis, My Louis represents the only misstep on what is a promising EP. It's not a bad track by any means; perhaps its status as the weakest of the four is indicative of the quality of the other songs on offer.
Highly recommended for anyone who has found themselves in possession of albums by The Waifs or Kasey Chambers.
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......the spooky alt-pop of "Deadman's Pocket"......
author: Jarrod Watts ABC on Line
“What does this mean to the listener? It means tasteful, spacious compositions ranging from the spooky alt-pop of "Deadman's Pocket", a countrified lover's lament in "Dreams Are Soft", broken-down rock in "Story Writer" and finishing with a country tribute to a big rural bloke in "Oh Louis, My Louis."
All songs are written by the band and the pure, passionate voice of Trish Anderson sits up front in the mix - she can sing it rough, she can sing it dirty, but here she maintains that vocal fragility that can be all breathy and sultry in one song and down-home and strident in another.
It's tasty stuff that begs the question: when's the album
come out?”
Jarrod Watt 5 April 2005 ABC on line
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....dominant instrument here however is Trish Anderson’s voice.
author: Karen Bennett Sept 05
A different country
Alt-country seems to be the musical wave du jour at the moment. As such, Deadmans Pocket is a timely EP release from Melbourne outfit Mrs Wainwright. The curiously named band consists of Trish Anderson (from Git), Pete McKenna (Monogamous Dog) and Anthony Shortte (Collard Greens & Gravy).
The music on Deadmans Pocket reflects a range of country influences, from the anguished wails of the title track to the lilting sway of Dreams are Soft and the country-rock of Story Writer. Their sound satisfyingly crosses borders, being equally at home in Tamworth or at the Espy. As their publicity notes suggest, purists may be a little dismayed at the group’s cross-overs, but hey, it works for me.
The dominant instrument here however is Trish Anderson’s voice. Reminiscent of Trisha Yearwood or even Sheryl Crow, Anderson keeps the EP rocking along, even on Story Writer, where McKenna takes lead vocals.
Overall, Deadmans Pocket is a promising appetiser for Mrs Wainwright’s promised full-length album.
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