Rasputina - Frustration Plantation

The first time I heard of Rasputina, it was as a side note reference to Nirvana. Band leader Melora Creager toured with Nirvana on their final shows, lending her cello-playing ability to songs like "Dumb" and "Polly." When I heard she was in a 3-piece alternative band based around dueling cellos and dramatic, wintery, brooding songs, I was very interested. I caught a live show of theirs a few months ago around the time of release for their latest CD, Frustration Plantation. Dressed up in colonial garb, they created an aura around the venue, playing quite a large selection of songs from their latest. I stood in amazement watching what both women could do with their cellos, watching their stone faced drummer with perfect timing and listening to Melora's hypnotic, trancing vocals create a nocturnal atmosphere. I was absolutely lost.....and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Frustration Plantation musically reflects its name: a little bit of a southern, swampy marsh feeling to it. Not so much alt-country, though. It's more a theatrical-ambience-type thing they have going for them. It's evident from the start of the first track, "Doomsday Averted." Just like during their live performances, they sprinkle in short ditties that break up the seriousness of topics on some of their songs with light, bizzare humor. Tracks like "Momma Was An Opium Smoker" and "Wicked Dickie" are good examples of that. But unlike their live shows, there was a less straight ahead approach. With layered recordings, they could add more than just drums and cello. You'll also hear a dulcimer, some drum programming and tons of effects on the cellos adorning these songs. It creates a new type of ambiance for the songs I had only seen live and made the recordings that much more memorable and enjoyable.

I wouldn't call it a concept album, but Frustration Plantation is definitely somewhat thematic, considering the Southern feel and topics in the songs, as well as the image they have for their live shows and recent promo shots. It's a great, interesting, almost challenging release that's definitely worth quite a few listens. [www.rasputina.com]