It is said that big things can come in small packages, and this four song EP is living proof. Styled as “Burlesque Blues”, Mather Louth and Radio Noir takes a bit of Jazz, Swing, Blues, and more and creates an intoxicating tableau of music that harkens back to an era of dark, opulent, decadence that seems strangely modern to the ears. Well produced, it only gets better with repeated listenings.

“Vultures” combines ominous organ work with aggressive saxophone set against a wall of percussion. Mather Louth’s ferocious vocals propel the song out of control, like a 62 Cadillac roaring through the muggy night towards New Orleans. Catchy guitar ends the song, and the listener is left with the silence of moonswept asphalt, but rest assured that the echoes will linger long afterwards.

“Damned Lady” is slow, sultry, and sort of bluesy. It evokes images of the Rat Pack at their elegant and lecherous best, brushing shoulders with underworld kingpins and making deals best forgotten in some hidden speakeasy. The song opens with edgy, jazzy guitar soon joined by sax and piano, cadenced by strong percussion. The vocals are vampy to the core, straight out of vintage radio, and the mind conjures fedoras, bright lights, and illicit romance.

“Marisela” starts out with exotic, Middle Eastern sounding percussion. It gets even more interesting with a bass line that is reminiscent of Latin music. Louth’s vocals are smooth and hypnotic, drawing the listen in like a Voodoo Siren down in the swamps. A bit of layered vocals on the chorus adds an ethereal air and a bit more depth. I greatly enjoy the smooth sax, and this song highlights Louth’s superb vocal abilities.

“Desert Woman” is brassy, yet classy, like the strut of a B-Movie queen through a five star restaurant. Tough as nails, it would not be out of place on the soundtrack to a gangster film. The chorus even reminds me of the flapper era. I am very fond of the high-hat percussion and, as usual, the saxophone. “Somehow I envision the devil in white…and when he comes for me it’ll be all right.” Indeed!

This EP is wonderfully retro, yet is not dated in the least. Imagine if Count Basie had fallen in with Jack Kerouac and the Beats, to my mind, this is probably similar to the sound that may have emerged. Mather Louth and Radio Noir are definitely on the cutting edge of the artistic underground. I would love to see their stage show. Their music is not be missed by any aficionado of cabaret, retro, neo-swing, or sheer excellence. Hear these songs and even more on their Myspace profile. I eager await more from Mather Louth and Radio Noir!

http://www.myspace.com/matherlouth

http://www.matherlouth.com/