Down Here
Classically trained violinist-turned-rocker Tracy Bonham embodies the best elements ofHoleandFiona Applewithout the accompanying histrionics.Down Herefollows Bonham's 1996 Grammy-nominatedThe Burdens of Being Upright, the source of the memorable whisper-to-a-scream single "Mother, Mother." While the album shows greater breadth and maturity by Bonham, she's lost none of her acerbic wit, edginess, or dynamism. Her intelligent, incisive, sometimes sarcastic lyrics have a feminist bent, but are never preachy or self-pitying. Members ofElvis Costello's Attractions andSoul Coughingprovide support, and producerMitchell FroombringsDown Hereclarity and depth, but it's Bonham's passion that drives the propulsive, distinctive songs. Whether it's the dreamy yet aggressive "Cold Day in Hell" or the rocking "Meathook," Bonham infuses these tunes with a wit and wisdom that works.--Katherine Turman