THE PASSAGE — Maree C

Matt Neal. Warrnambool Standard 30 May 2002 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard  2002 All rights reserved

PORT Fairy singer Maree C’s debut album has a touch of the Kasey Chambers about it. Mostly country in style, there’s enough pop and even rock moments to keep things diverse. The best track is the Patti Smith-like Cousin with its driving backbeat, lightly distorted guitar and eerie verse melody. It also provides the ideal vehicle for Maree’s distinctive and versatile voice. On the gentle ballad Kiss Away Your Tears she inflects a country twang, sounds more "rock chick" on Cousin and her aching vocal line on The Change Of Heart Waltz has a beautiful lilt to it. Moonlight is another highlight of the album, with its wonderful harmonies and laidback country feel. The only low spot is probably Anders Christian Terjesen, which tells a story about a young Norwegian who comes to Australia. The music is good, but there are a few too many forced rhymes and average lines. But the majority of the CD is great and shows variety and talent from a Port Fairy lass with a strong voice.