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Nicki Jaine's "Of Pigeons and Other Curiosities" is a moody, shadowy piano driven river of poetry in motion. The lyrics are one of the strong points of Jaine's music. She sings of gothic things like ghosts, etc., but also explores the sadness of the soul. The instrumental aspect of the compositions are rooted in her spooky piano playing (which hints heavily, at times, of slow motion cabaret/burlesque) but often employs string instruments, increasing the texture and mood. Soft and slow though it may be, tempo and intensity wise, there is nonetheless a heady dose of energy and vivacity coming out of the throat of this unique singer, whose alto stylings betray a spirit resigned to the slings and melancholy of life. There is hopelessness but also staunchness of the soul. In some ways, Jaine conjurs the image of a brooding, lonely vixen somehow denied her earthly birthright. The music supports her with its thick atmosphere that sometimes comes from something as simple as the just-right strokes of the piano keys. Powerful.
Chain D.L.K.
August 2004