The Tatters

Album Review

Hard to define but enjoyable in the attempt, this album is littered with a myriad of influences, as the sweet, gentle Appalachia harmony dominates from start to finish. "Tattered and Torn" features a Hawaiian flair by using the ukulele as its main support, while an accordion caps off "Angel of Death." The trio of Mary Wilson, Jennie Snyder, and Erika Harding cannot be distinguished vocally, as the sweet union of voices makes it impossible. Some songs evoke images of a modern-day Andrews Sisters on "Lost My Head" and "Bottle Buddy," both consisting of traditional country and bluegrass influences. One slight disappointment is the gospel intro of "Bended Knees," which devolves into a quasi-pop folk tune. But it's a miscue quickly forgotten given the toe-tapping escape about California's Big Sur conveyed during "Cry Aye, Aye." Linda Ronstadt, especially in her flamenco incarnation, is another big influence on "Dele el Mundo." A solid album of stellar vocals, but the highlights have to be "Bluer Pastures" and "Say Goodbye...," both of which work the same well-trodden country rails.