Candelabra Cadabra by Patti Rothberg (CD, Apr-2002, Double On Tundra)

Patti Rothberg released an earlier record entitled "Between The One And The Nine", an excellent example of a mid 90's female guitar slinger of the Lilith Fair generation. This record is even better, but very different, and much harder to classify. It's still within the pop / rock realm, but the instrumentation is more dense, complex and varied. Patti contributed vocals, guitar, percussion and synth (not to mention the cover artwork), there are other keyboards and strings, and some sitar highlights. The songs remain melodic but many are darker, heavier and much more psychedelic than anything on "Between..." and further from Lilith's singer/songwriter oeuvre. The subject matter ranges well beyond her home territory of urban romance and rebellion; and there's often a longing, almost melancholy beauty to the lyrics and the sound. If Patti continues with this innovative type of artistic output it won't be long before she becomes the Kate Bush of her generation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!