Every year, countless people from different parts of the United States move to Nashville with one goal in mind: to have a career in
country
music. They don't necessarily sing, write songs or play an instrument; perhaps they are interested in A&R, publicity or promotions. But whether their goal is performing or working in a behind-the-scenes capacity, so many of the music-minded people who live in Nashville have
music (or at least some type of
Americana
or
roots rock
) on the brain. There are many exceptions, however -- and
Forget Cassettes
is a definite exception. This Nashville-based group has nothing whatsoever to do with
,
; the focus of
Salt
, their second album, is darkly introspective but often combustible
alt rock
/
indie rock
that draws on direct or indirect influences such as
PJ Harvey
Tori Amos
Lydia Lunch
Hole
and
Nirvana
. But while lead singer/guitarist
Beth Cameron
has some of
Amos
' melodic and harmonic sensibilities,
rocks much harder -- and like
Harvey
, the expressive
Cameron
favors a very stream-of-consciousness approach. Throughout the high-angst album,
fluctuates between darkly brooding melodies and moments of angry, explosive release.
is an album of contrasts, and
handles herself memorably well whether she is exercising restraint or wailing and screaming during the 2006 recording's more intense moments.
' material is not groundbreaking and doesn't pretend to point
in any new directions, but it is nicely crafted and nicely executed (if a bit self-indulgent at times). And all things considered,
is a strong sophomore outing from the Nashville-based group. ~ Alex Henderson