Review of Smilin’
April 15, 2000
No tentative vocals here. The feel of this CD is somewhere between lure and attack. These women have strong vocals that are always on pitch. Sometimes they sing solo, sometimes two back up a lead voice, and sometimes they choose a full trio sound.
There are many standouts on this CD. I’ll mention three. The first involves the story of Galloway’s mother called Em’s Song. In three minutes, we are able to meet the former healthy women and feel the pain of her demise and the devastation that Alzheimer’s brings. With the powerful image of shuffling down the hall
the trio creates, in a cappelia excellence, the shock of having someone close who no longer recognizes family.
With Heed The Warning they demand just that. In a driving, upbeat warning you hear of a toxic, evil woman, who approaches from your blind side to lead you into the Woods forever.
And the lovely lullaby Rocking is the celebration of a teenage mom and her boy thriving beyond expectation over the years. Come sit by me rocking
is repeated, until the boy no longer wants to be rocked. The high singing voice of Donna Creighton is so clear and beautiful it’s hard to imagine anyone no longer wanting to hear it.
Sirens’ musical style ranges from piano backed torch songs to lullabies. Their use of tin whistle, accordion and violin is never overdone. Some groups have great vocals, and some good writing skills. Sirens has both. Not only that, they have the professional performance skills to lure you in. Let them. You’ll be in good hands. —AP