Carina Round: The Review

[Further recollections from my mini NYC jaunt...]

I don't know, this blogging game. Suddenly I have an outlet for all this stuff that happens along the way that doesn't really add up to too much. But, as they say, better out than in].

[NYC, Second night]. Carina Round is from Wolverhampton and has been signed by Dave Stewart to his Interscope label. Unsurprisingly, I had never heard of her, but I'll give a her a name-check here. You never know, it might help. Her debut album was due out in October, but has been delayed and will be out next year. She was doing a short, showcase gig at a club called Stereo, way out on West 29th Street and 10th Avenue. I’d never been that far west in the city before. I stood alongside a pop legend who I had interviewed earlier in the day – it pains me not to name drop - and about 50 others as she rattled through five numbers. I only mention this gig because I think she has something.

I am not moved to write a full review here, although I will say that she has a powerful voice and a definite stage charisma. She lead sings while playing electric guitar in a band. The style is on the rock side of pop. Plenty of noise, energy and passion. Raven-haired and in a 50's black dress with an extravagant pink trim, Carina looks good and has an amusing knock-kneed dance style when she's in the grip of a song. I’d probably put her down as a mix between Alanis Morissette and Bjork. A fairly potent blend. I liked her voice. It has power and versatliltiy and there's a freshness there. I've dipped into the promo' CD her "people" gave me since I've been back and there are some growers. There was too much noise at that mini gig to get too carried away, but I liked her. Certainly, the volume of her delivery made my swollen ankle tremble. It was like having very aggresssive ultra sound treatment.

I went on to two parties with Carina and her bass player, Smudger, after the gig. I know, such rock 'n' roll. In truth, the parties were average-to-shite, but Carina and I chatted like old mates. That's showbiz for you. She's a lively character and has a bucket load of attitude and, I think/hope, the talent to match. If nothing else, she can neck beer with the best of us. If she makes it, she'll probably be hell for her PRs but good for the rest of us because she speaks her mind. Journos take note: even though I wasn't working as such that night, I could tell that there is a story there in her background. You just know where there is good copy. So, if she gets a hit, at least the publicity shouldn't be too much bother. Good luck to her.