Carina Round - The Disconnection

With the recent influx of female led acts in indie rock, Lilith Fair would have a pretty decent crop to pick its lineup from, if it were still around. Bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Metric, as well as solo artists like Cat Power, have proved that the girls can bring it year in and year out. Adding to this ever-increasingly long list is Carina Round; a singer songwriter who favors the rock n roll over whining about life, and whose sophomore effort is something to behold. Imagine if Fiona Apple threw away her piano and picked up a guitar and then decided she was a little pissed and wanted to join the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and then you would have an idea of the sound Carina brings to the plate. Disconnection is part strum along crooner, part scream along rocker, but all engrossing. Opening with the pleasant “Shoot,” you instantly fall in love with Carina’s voice, setting your interested level high just in time for the albums early highlight, “Into My Blood.” The strongest and most glorious track on the album, as well as the first single, the perfectly produced track could easily stand alongside “Maps” as an indie crossover sensation. “Monument” showcases well the prototype of her soft and innocent voice setting the foundation for a guitar driven howl of a finish. “Sit Tight” is a lengthy soulful number that brings you down to a slow glide before being smacked upside the head with the album ending “Elegy,” a beautiful track building steadily to its crescendo. With any justice, people will catch on to this girl quickly. Her only downfall might be being seen as too similar to some rock act females out there, but those who underestimate her work would be unwise to do so. Like a beautiful siren, Carina draws you in with her sweet melody and then leaves you flattened with a guitar powered onslaught. A great album from a powerful and soothing voice; everyone should give this one a listen or two. [www.carinaround.com]