JASMINE CAIN – White Noise (2015)
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First of all let me tell you that JASMINE CAIN is not related to Journey’s famous keyboardist, she is a singer / bass player / songwriter that has been fighting in the indie US scene for more than 10 years (4 CD released) to jump into the big leagues.
Cain’s 5th record, the just released “White Noise“, not only is anything but noise, but also easily could put the lady into the mainstream circuit via its catchy n’ rocking 11 tracks.
Recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville, TN and mixed by Mills Logan, this record is ready for the big time, carefully crafted to give Jasmine major exposure. For this matter, some well known names from the music industry were called to round up the album in very professional way.
Cain teamed up with longtime friend and mentor Paige Logan to get the process moving, and they’ve been working with Jeff LaBar of Cinderella all last winter to provide the songs with an ‘edgy’ approach. (Cain was part of LaBar solo band in the past).
Of course LaBar plays guitar too, but also there’s guest contributions from Gerry Finn (Killer Dwarfs), the underrated Lincoln Parish (Cage The Elephant), while Ralph Saenz (aka Michael Starr of Steel Panther) does a vocal duet with Cain.
So in “White Noise” we have a bunch a well crafted rockers with a modern approach akin Halestorm but with an ‘edge’ taken from the ’80s / ’90s.
Jasmine Cain owns a little raspy vocal register but always melodious and controlled to keep the harmonies in place, with a tone similar to Linda Perry (4 Non Blondes). The musicianship is excellent from all involved, and production very polished yet potent.
Of course, my favorite tracks are the more ‘retro oriented’, such as the intense “Fool’s Gold” featuring a great guitar work by Jeff LaBar, and where Cain sounds more classy. Great song and a highlight.
“Good Life” is driven by a simple but hot guitar riff and a rumbling bass line by Cain. The song is pretty infectious with a great rhythm. Other strong numbers are the effective opener “Coming In Hot” (some Joan Jett on it), and the broken title track with its poppy chorus.
The tracks with more modern direction may be less attractive to my vintage years, but are really well done; “Break Even”, the slower “Hole” and “Into the Grey”, all with a Halestorm feel.
“Nightingale”, despite its modern sound, is also one of my favorites because it’s quite different from the rest: dark and with a groovy atmosphere. Great drumming here and a meaty guitar solo.
“Any Given Sunday” is another cut in this vein, and a welcomed one. The verses are powerful and LaBar rocks again throughout.
For the end, we have another very interesting tune. “Fall to Rise” is somehow midtempo (not a ballad) with a superb atmosphere which rises slowly to a classy chorus. Ralph Saenz (aka Michael Starr of Steel Panther) duets here with Cain creating a special contrast. One of the stronger tracks on the album and a cleverly chosen closer.
“White Noise” easily could be Jasmine Cain’s rocket to mainstream. While the idea is to put the artist into the modern rock scene, it is evident on the CD that Jasmine has a classic hard rock heart.
And this is one of the great things on the album; combining the modern with classic in a very nicely blend. The songs are strong (largely worked & arranged), the playing top notch and production on par with many major releases.
Highly enjoyable.
01 – Coming In Hot
02 – White Noise
03 – Break Even
04 – Hole
05 – Fool’s Gold
06 – Good Life
07 – Into the Grey
08 – Nightingale
09 – 1995
10 – Any Given Sunday
11 – Fall to Rise
Jasmine Cain – vocals, bass
Zach Ballard – drums
Lincoln Parish (Cage The Elephant) – guitar
Jeff LaBar (Cinderella) – guitar
Gerry Finn (Killer Dwarfs) – guitar
Jared Peterman, Charlie Parra – additional guitar licks
Ralph Saenz (aka Michael Starr of Steel Panther) – vocal duet on 11
BUY IT !
jasminecain.com/shop/jasmine-cain-white-noise/
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