AMG Review of Breach

James Christopher Monger
All Music Guide

Shivaree's Breach features two originals and three choice covers that, while politically tinged (lead singer Ambrosia Parsley has appeared numerous times on Air America radio), deal less with current events than they do classic themes of social hierarchy. "I Close My Eyes" is a nocturnal romp through Nick Cave land and "657 Bed B" is a dreamy swirl of heartache performed Handsome Family-style, with winsome harmonies provided by Ed Harcourt. Most effective is the group's version of Brian Eno's "The Fat Lady of Limbourg," a track that even in 1974 simmered with Jacques Brel-esque nihilism, now given the 21st century vamp treatment by Parsley at her most Siouxsie Sioux/Gwen Stefani. Also included is a fairly sterile and straightforward version of John Cale's -- better when it's seething -- "Fear Is a Man's Best Friend" and a surprisingly poignant rendition of the Waterboys' country-folk spiritual "Strange Boat." Breach is a nifty little appetizer, but since the two best tracks are slated to appear on the impending full-length, Who's Got Trouble, anyone but die-hard fans may as well wait for the dinner to arrive.