Thao Nguyen has a great voice: a smoky and warm alto that is alternately pure and scratchy, sounding a bit like an earthier Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power). In fact, Nguyen's laid-back warble and consistently surprising delivery are the main charms of "We Brave Bee Stings and All," her second full-length album. Some moments are especially catchy, like the plucky banjo of "Swimming Pools" and the acoustic, guitar-driven military stomp of "Beat (Health, Life, and Fire)." Other songs are marred by weak arrangements. One of the album's strongest tracks, "Feet Asleep," ends in a burst of horns, silence, and the riveting sound of Nguyen picking up the refrain one more time, singing and clapping her hands. Nguyen is certainly a talent to watch, but the songs and arrangements need to catch up to her voice.
Thao Nguyen plays a show with Sister Suvi at the Middle East
Upstairs Sunday.
ESSENTIAL "Swimming Pools"
