Rating: 4/5
Verdict: Australian country-rocker delivers deep feelings and a physical punch
Almost a decade ago this Australian singer-songwriter penned Not Pretty Enough, a penetrating chart-topper about self-doubt. The title track on her latest album, Reconsideration, comes with the wisdom of years: Chambers sings of a broken relationship, how a little bird told her how to get the guy back, "but I don't want you that bad". This irrepressibly catchy song and Invisible Girl show although Chambers might be a married mother of two she still understands adolescence. Although this is an alt country album, many songs here are sharp pop which could appeal to intelligent teens.
Elsewhere are adult concerns: Somewhere (with Patty Griffin) is about an indifferent or unkind world of broken promises ("and I'm all cried out"); and Love Like a Hurricane is a lap steel ballad with Kevin Bennett as the other half ("we got to roll with the punches ... ask for forgiveness") Chambers is happier now so there are fewer dark songs than on her terrific Rattlin' Bones (with husband Shane Nicholson, returning here along with her guitarist dad Bill).. But the brittle rockers (Down Here on Earth, Train Wreck) have a rubbed-raw feel. Chambers finds memorable songs in happiness, childhood, teen angst and adulthood.
-TimeOut / elsewhere.co.nz
