CD review: Sal Kimber & The Rollin' Wheel

The first album from Sal Kimber, Sounds like Thunder, heralded an exciting new alt-country talent - but it was quite a different CD to her latest, self-titled effort, Sal Kimber & The Rollin' Wheel. That difference demonstrates that Kimber is moving and changing, in very good ways. The new album is seductive from the very first song, 'Rockin' Chair', and keeps that momentum going into the second song, 'Do Right', and beyond. Sal's voice cajoles the listener into coming closer. The steady syncopation of the drum beats through these opening songs anchors her intentions.

Or so we think, because we then move into the sweet ache of 'Your Town', the yearning of 'Sweet Love', the steady country beat of 'Rollin' Wheel', the subtle growl and hypnotic rhythm of 'Walking in the Woods' and on and on into a broad musical palette.

Sal Kimber & The Rollin' Wheel is a mature, accomplished album that blends a few 'sub-branches' of country - rockabilly, swing, rock, bluegrass, alt country. Kimber's voice is the greatest instrument on the album - versatile and responsive to the needs of the song, rich in tone and demanding the listener's attention. It's a fine album to have on the background, with all its tones and rhythms blending, but it's much better enjoyed on close listening.

Read the Jolene interview with Sal Kimber here.

Sal Kimber & The Rollin' Wheel are touring throughout October, November and December, in Victoria, the ACT, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. For details, go to:

www.salkimber.com