What an interesting career Melissa Auf der Maur has had thus far. A former bassist in Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins, front woman to a side project called Hand Of Doom - the superb Black Sabbath tribute band - and now a solo singer; the 32 year old Canadian certainly has exceptional talent.
Real A Lie is the second single to be released from her first class, self-titled debut album. Only for a moment does the intro of a steady melancholic riff hold attention; in fact the guitar work and drumming is standard stuff throughout the song. It is Auf der Maur's unmistakably calm and focused vocals that seize the listener; yet she is aloof, almost creepy. It is this contrast that makes her such an intriguing and unlikely vocalist; but I could not help but notice how much she sounds like Alanis Morrisette.
Melissa Auf der Maur's transition - or perhaps "growing out period" - from another band's bass player to solo singer/songwriter seemed to be remarkably instinctive. Only strong praise can be lavished on a very talented, and dare I say, arousing musician.
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