Possessing a voice that invokes Neko Case and an attitude somewhere between Hank Williams III and Lucinda Williams, Loveless, a 21-year-old Coshocton, Ohio native, brings the term "insurgent country" back with both graceful strength and shit-kicking power.
On her sophomore release, "Indestructible Machine," (Bloodshot Records 2011) the music isn't that modern, polished Nashville sound. The album benefits from the spaciousness between the instruments to capture a raw live sound found in rock clubs and honky tonks.
On "How Many Women," a song that ponders the question every woman asks when her man's insatiable desire gets the best of him, Loveless demonstrates the classic country soul qualities possessed by Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette while loving and chastising her beau simultaneously.
Citing the meteoric rise of Britney Spears during her pre-teen years as an influence, Loveless began her music career playing bass in her sister's band. Thankfully, however, Loveless' desire to emulate the pop star ended there. One listen to her songwriting and you'll know that Loveless is no fresh-faced musician without life experiences. Clearly there’s a trail of broken hearts, tears and shattered beer bottles in her wake. After listening to this Live at KDHX session, you may just find yourself saying, "Bartender, I’ll have another please."
All photos by Louis Kwok.
