The voice of the American singer / songwriter Mia Doi Todd has its own timbre. For her fifth album, she collaborated with musicians from the Los Angeles alternative rock scene, from virtually unknown local groups such as The Beechwood Sparks and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Despite the input of these boisterous types, Manzanita - the title refers to a red blossom shrub that is characteristic of
… the California landscape - is an understated piece of work. Todd is at her best with minimal accompaniment, for example when she accompanies herself on piano (Muscle, Bone & Blood) or acoustic guitar (Luna Lune, I Gave You My Home). In her lyrics, Todd offers the listener a glimpse into her soul in an almost painfully honest way. The light-hearted reggae trip Casa Nova is a welcome counterbalance to her usually introverted musings. With ten songs and 38 minutes, Manzanita is a short album, but one that is well balanced and invites you to listen several times. (MS)more
