Ghalia Volt – Burn The House Down
www.rufrecords.de
11 songs time – 37:42
Belgian singer-songwriter and guitarist Ghalia Volt (Ghalia Vauthier), although touted as an American Roots Music artist, owes more to Siouxsie Sioux of the British Alternative band Siouxsie & The Banshees, by way of her vocal inflections and energy. Ghalia’s vocalizations appear to be a bit of an affectation, but one well suited to the music. As the dueling slide guitars of her and producer JD Simo churn up the ether, there are bits of blues influence. This is a basic guitar free-for-all with just a rhythm section, no frills. Whatever you wish to call this musical tornado, it grows on you and surrounds your sensibilities before you realize what has hit you. I mean that in the best way. At times some of the lyrics are difficult to discern, but the atmosphere created by the swirling music is intoxicating. Ghalia wrote ten of the songs and co-wrote one.
Throughout the CD, the assault of the guitars on your senses is aural bliss. On “No Ice Please” and occasionally throughout the proceedings, the lyrics are almost an afterthought. The song maintains a bouncy vibe. “Don’t water it down” is repeated frequently. The blending of the tom-toms, guitars and voice bring up the Siouxsie Sioux comparison in “Mine”. The pulsating attack is infectious. “Me myself and I”. The hypnotic Siouxsie vibe continues with echoed vocals and a prominent bass riff in “Ride”. Slow slithering slide guitar underpins her vocal in “Where Do We Go”.
“Wrong Horse” slide guitar skips along, ending with brief whistling by Ghalia. A similar atmosphere is achieved on “Wreckin’ & Rollin'”. The Devil’s heavy hand is felt in “Lucifer’s Grip”. The title tune is a pleasant noise. “River Song” is slow and haunting with a you-know-who vibe. “Let Yo’ Hair Down” is mainly a hypnotic slide-fest instrumental except for chants of the title, “I love it, I love it” and others. The brief solo acoustic “Black And White” closes out the CD.
Ghalia, JD Simo and a crack rhythm section live up to the age-old motto of less is more. This small combo kicks up the dust in a delightful fashion. Label this music whatever you care to. All I know is that it is a welcome addition to my music collection.
