Post by jptheprofessor on Apr 16, 2006 22:10:44 GMT -5
SHERRI MULLEN – ON THE EDGE (no label) On her 2002 debut album, Mask, Middletown-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Sherri Mullen explored and indulged a wide range of styles and emotions, from introspective acoustic sounds to hard-driving anthemic rock; in the process establishing her own wide expanse of musical turf. On Mullen’s sophomore offering, On The Edge, she stretches and pushes the edge out even further, breaking more new ground and revealing a more adventurous musical personality. There are wider extremes on this album: supported with firepower from Harrisburg modern rockers Hierosonic, the title song “On The Edge” and the venomous revenge ode “Now You’ll Hurt” show fangs and sharp edges – while the reminiscent, rural-flavored “Daddy’s Girl” and a cozy acoustic remake of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” show Mullen at her most gentle yet. In between the extremes, we hear an eclectic selection of styles and sounds; from the piano-driven plea for acceptance, “Will You Be My Friend;” to the boisterous punk-fueled ode to dysfunctional domestic life, “Modern Day Loving Family;” to the blues-rocking statement of perseverance, “Satisfaction.” The album closes out with a bonus track treat for Mullen’s longtime fans, the reggae-informed “Do You Wanna Walk Good (Hey Mon).” Sherri Mullen sells her wide range of song material with a voice that demonstrates strength, elegance, soul and emotion; expressing well-composed, easy-to-digest lyrics. Although recorded in several studios and a living room with several producers, and displaying more overall edginess and diversity; On The Edge succeeds in maintaining a consistency, with Mullen’s rangeful, clear voice and catchy song hooks constantly front and center. Sherri Mullen expands her parameters and stakes new musical and lyrical turf on On The Edge, further establishing herself as a rock diva unafraid to explore new directions and frontiers. (The album can be obtained through Sherri Mullen’s website, www.sherrimullen.com.)