Born in Obninsk, Natasha Borzilova moved to Nashville as lead singer and acoustic guitarist with Bering Strait - a group of six classically trained Russian musicians drawn to country and bluegrass music.
The band called it a day in 2006 and now comes Borzilova's solo album which, as you may expect, is an assured and polished debut.
Musically, it gives a nod towards the Nashville establishment but fits more readily into the Americana/New Country tradition.
It is a confident record with original compositions which alternate between sassy and sweet love songs.
She does the former best, as on the strident opening track 'I'm Angry' or on 'Don't Stop' where she is ably backed by Bob Britt on a raspy sounding electric guitar which adds some rock dynamics.
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On the slower ballads (like 'October Blue') Borzilova sounds a lot like Mary Chapin Carpenter although the songwritng is not in the same league.
The eleven tracks flow together smoothly with lyrics which have a personal tone without being all that revealing.
The tendency towards playing safe places the record firmly in the easy listening camp.
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Overall,the accomplished full band backing and crisp production suits the dynamic vocal style to produce an album that will appeal to those who like their alt.country with a small A.
11t - 36.08m
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