Latest releases reviewed

THE WAIFS
A Brief History Hummingbird
***

Some bands are born to record and some are born to play live. It is pretty safe to say that The Waifs are among the latter. This double live album is both a neat way of celebrating a long time on the road and also allowing folks to catch up on their best tunes of the last 12 years. Their music is the fruit of many influences, thoughtful folk cut with a dash of rock'n'roll and washed down with warmth and honesty. Sisters Vicci and Donna Simpson and guitarist Josh Cunningham recorded these 31 tracks at various venues in their native Australia over a number of years. Yet it all hangs together well. The skittish nature of their stage personalities contrasts with their perceptive and affecting take on their own lives and those near to them. It is a mix that clearly appeals to their audience, who are loud in their appeciation. www.thewaifs.com

Joe Breen

KASEY CHAMBERS
Wayward Angel Virgin
****

The word about this fine Australian country singer has spread to Nashville, but the worry about this, her thrid album, was that Nashville had spread to her. However, although Wayward Angel has its fair share of soft-focus ballads, Chambers has just the right blend of innocence and suss to carry it off. And, anyway, we know that she's authentic, a rough diamond with a soft centre - a kind of Aussie Lucinda Williams. There are 14 tracks with none more powerful than For Sale, a revealing song about the downside of fame. Motherhood has definitely softened Chambers, but she still has a wicked side. Even the sweetness of Pony is infused with a strong whiff of lust plus a demon baritone guitar sound from Stuart Smith. Elsewhere, brother Nash has served her and her songs well, with a sensitive production that turns it up and tones it down at just the right pace. Classy stuff. www.kaseychambers.net

Joe Breen