Scout Niblett lifts the standard, again

Freedom, alike democracy, is a limited commodity. Not only by its interpretations depending on the part of the world but also by encroaching on other aspects of ‘dictatorships’... Most of the mass taste is shaped, guided and abused by advertisers, hype-merchants and media. Still, strange thing is that the iPod revolution hasn’t brought a surge of discovering new names but rediscovery of the old.

In particular looking like the kids of today would rather download an old Motley Crue song, or sixteen, instead of a joy of more cerebral-rock that TV On The Radio provide. [This trend also means that regrouped Motley, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath can sell out much larger arenas than only a few years back.] Where does that leave brave new artists such as Scout Niblett?

It is nice having success with all the guitar-bands but they do not really innovate that much as appropriate from the past and twist it slightly. Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party and Maximo Park may find that 1980 was a fascinating and inspirational year but tomorrow waits for no human. Looking back this intently - has hardly ever been healthy.

Ms Niblett’s second album, ‘Kidnapped By Neptune’, is as invigorating as the debut 'I Am', issued 01 Sept. 2003. Taking no notice of fashion, Ms Niblett lives inside her own world with its own morality, rules and time-frame. She is its Queen, its Prime Minister and Cultural Secretary; temporary subjects are allowed in but it is rare and are well instructed not to disturb the panorama and intel-vista of this sonic vision.

Minimal, quiet, heady pieces are pierced by screeches and noises of a banshee, it is only marginally Rock’n’Roll and only in its rarefied avant-garde form. Mutated sparseness of a blues welcomes you on ‘Hot To Death’ that segues into a fury that storms like angry sea and washes over you with the power you usually find in the mythical HM bands.

The title track follows with a more primitive approach that pulls at both ends to alike the 8th planet’s two satellites. ‘Pompoms’ is more lamenty than the ‘Lullaby For Scarlet in 10 Years’ that feels like a butterfly on a jumbo-jet before a pair of turbulences making one feels like reaching for that oxygen mask! Taking us through ‘This City’ she has no time to ‘Relax’ [in a Japanese garden], get some ‘Valvoline’, she queries if it/he/anything is ‘Good For Me’ and advises ‘F**k Treasure Island’, before leaving us with ‘Where Are You?’

It actually is a fundamental question about not being dictated by anyone, anything or any fashion. Open mind is more important than the clutched credit card. The minimalist artwork offers a “Special thanks to the planet Neptune.”

There are plenty strong and attractive women making music but Scout Niblett is less of a Godlfrapp-babe and more like Cat Power with rough/raw/blues running through her veins. And, becoming even more a unique voice in the world of shopping-mall culture.

8/10