SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE CLAUDETTES – HIGH TIMES IN THE DARK

The Claudettes
High Times In The Dark
Yellow Dog Records

The musical talent of The Claudettes is impressive, and never more so than in High Times in the Dark, in particular, that of keyboardist Johnny Iguana. Trained as a classical pianist, Iguana started playing the blues in his teens, and it suits him. The bit of flair that could be considered missing from the earlier albums is clearly present and very welcome, stepping even more into the “garage cabaret” sound.

Lead vocalist Berit Ulseth then steps in and the music is taken to another level. The blues, R&B, and soulful flair in the sound can make you feel you’re at a late-night jazz club, but the high beat classic pop layer brings the sound into the 21^st century. Ulseth’s almost jazz-like delivery of the lyrics pair flawlessly with the incredible piano performance of Iguana, from the quick tempo of “Creeper Weed”, to the blues swing of “Grandkids, Wave Bye-Bye”.

Altogether, the album is a fresh and unique update on the sounds of the past.

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