Reviewed by James Lewis

Apparently, Nina is the vocalist/bass player with thrash band The Lead. I've never listened to them but this album is definitely NOT thrash - instead it goes for a sixties feel, sort of a retro-indie/garage psychodelia sound, rather like a less commercial Bangles or even The Pretenders, and displays more melodic sense and vocal ability than any thrash artist has a right to. Instruments are restricted to mainly guitar (electric and acoustic), bass and, unfortunately, a drum machine - personally I think the human touch might have helped. Tracks worth a listen include "Calm Before The Storm", "You Better Run Away" and, an obvious but well executed cover of The Byrds' "Turn, Turn, Turn". Also worth a mention purely for its contrast to the rest of the album is "Like The Way It Fits", a streetwise Latin dance number worthy of Lisa Lisa. A brave departure from previous work with hopefully more to follow.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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