ELENI MANDELL
Thrill (Zedtone)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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"Thrill" just might be an understatement. She may not have the same gravelly vocal snarl, nor the hobo scruff exterior, but Eleni Mandell certainly shares Tom Waits' musical spirit enough to warrant comparison. Sashaying through a baker's dozen smoky cabaret numbers, Mandell hits an irresistible balance of swamp and romance, delivered with aplomb by a crack band and punctuated by her steamy vocals. Think P.J. Harvey in lounge mode and yer halfway there. And though the delivery is truly rapturous, it is but part of the picture. Mandell happens to also pen some wonderful original tunes. Tunes they don't write anymore, so I thought. Get on board before this thrill is gone.

© 2000 - John Sekerka