Tom Lynch

The Nottingham, England native's recent record, "Kidnapped by Neptune" (Too Pure), a fifteen-song depth charge into the realm of Johnny Cash-meets-Neko Case, is, by far, Niblett's best work to date, and engineer Steve Albini's work, prominent with its rawness and open-aired boom, fits as a perfect match. She calls Oakland home now, but Niblett's songwriting spews visions of roadside drifting, dust clouds, dirty guitar cases and thumbs way up in the air. Think the desert--Niblett tells her tales with dryness and heat, like on "Hot to Death," "Fuck Treasure Island" and the record's title track. She can scream like the best of `em, too, which should dispel those awful Chan Marshall comparisons--though, fair is fair, the breathy nature of Niblett's darker ventures sounds creepily similar at times. Either way, Niblett's throat takes her exactly where she needs to go, beyond all comparisons, right to that original spot on the map that sadly dodges the masses. She once said, "I can't love life if I don't accept the death of who I think I am." Who can argue with such profundity?

Scout Niblett plays July 29 at the Bottom Lounge, 3206 North Wilton, (773)975-0505. (2005-07-26)

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