A Fine Frenzy preview

A Fine Frenzy
Ravinia, Highland Park
Saturday, August 25, 2007

A summer tour with Rufus Wainwright, a performance slot on Jay Leno the very same day her debut album dropped in July, named VH1’s latest “You Oughta Know” artist — what can’t backing by a major label (Capitol) do for a 22-year-old songstress?

Throw in a shock of crimson hair and regal features that have a Mischa Barton-like look of creamy perfection to them and all the superficial ingredients are in place for world domination. Oh, and add the employ of British producer Lukas Burton (of James Blunt and Dido fame) to the list of reasons bitter jealously might ensue by anyone trying to get ahead in the music biz.

Fortunately, singer/pianist Alison Sudol’s talent matches the resources bestowed upon her. On One Cell In The Sea (Virgin) this California girl and her band of merry players (collectively known as A Fine Frenzy) deliver thrilling power pop disguised as serious laments. Granted, Sudol has a perfectly lovely voice, but unlike former precocious teenage phenom Fiona Apple, Sudol’s lovelorn state doesn’t sear or cut to the bone. Instead, it undulates like the ocean’s lazy waves caressing the sandy beach with enough poignancy to reel a sailor in.

The sweetly sentimental “Almost Lover” epitomizes this skill making it hard to believe Sudol wrote it as a mere 18-year-old. It’s the “You’re Beautiful” or “Thank You” of the album, although no one can predict if it will match their wild success.

Appearing with The Magic Numbers and Rufus Wainwright.

— Janine Schaults

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly