Louise Aubrie - Time Honoured Alibi

by Malcolm Carter

published: 10 / 4 / 2013

Label: Louise Aubrie
Format: CD

intro

Exceptional second album from London-born but now New York-based singer-songwriter, Louise Aubrie

'Time Honoured Alibi' is the second album from London-born but New York-based Louise Aubrie. It shows that she has not totally abandoned the punky-pop sound displayed on 2010’s critically acclaimed ‘Fingers Crossed…’, but there is definitely progression on these eight songs and, although it is early days still, ‘Time Honoured Alibi’ is already sounding like an even better set of songs than those on her debut. Aubrie, along with producer Boz Boorer (rockabilly hero probably best known for his work with Morrissey), creates a full-bodied sound that draws on so many different genres. There are Phil Spector touches here and there. Aubrie’s outstanding vocals (which just seem to get better and better) recall the classic girl groups of the sixties at times. There are also traces of the Ramones mixed with glam-rock spread across the songs, and Aubrie, with her more than capable band, deliver each and every song with a punchy passion that is impossible to ignore. You could name practically any female pop/rock artist from the last five decades and hear at least some trace of them while listening to ‘Time Honoured Alibi’. Every one from Sandie Shaw through to Chrissie Hynde taking in Debbie Harry (yep and even Wendy James) along the way. What sets Aubrie apart is that she writes from the heart (the songs here are apparently about the men in her life), and sings each and every word as though it was the last time she was going to sing. That Aubrie is one of the most expressive current female vocalists would be an understatement. For all the small inflections displayed of the above singers, Aubrie has a voice that’s all her own, and what a voice it is. Aubrie doesn’t need to employ vocal gymnastics or holler to get her message across. While she has a powerful voice, Aubrie sits in the middle of tenderness and aggression when it comes to vocals which makes her unique. The opening song, ‘Where Are You’, begins with restrained emotion in Aubrie’s vocals, which then lead into one of the catchiest choruses we have ever heard, and while Blondie’s more punky moments spring to mind the song is representative of all that which makes Aubrie one of the most promising artists we have at the moment. It is tempting to concentrate on those vocals, to say it is is all in Aubrie’s voice, but the fact is that the back-up Aubrie is getting from her band obviously make these great songs mini-classics. Listen to Matt Wigton’s bass on ‘Love Struck’ for a prime example of just how good this guy is, Rob Ritchie’s slashing guitar work on almost every song (not to mention his all but scene-stealing vocals on ‘Tonight At Ronnie’s’), and the way Fred Kennedy keeps the whole thing together with his drumming skills. ‘Time Honoured Alibi’ is written by Aubrie (with one co-write with Boorer), and with her vocals of course she should be singled out but there is very much a band feel to these songs. It is not an album where the singer is backed by a bunch of sessions musicians. These guys are living the songs as much as Aubrie is, yet another sign that Boorer is underrated as a producer. Aubrie shows a rocky side to her music for the most part on these songs, but there are a couple of slower-tempo songs. ‘Circuit’ and ‘Gold’ both show a more tender side to Aubrie, both in her songwriting and vocals. It is a side that should be allowed more space on future albums. ‘Gold’ is a pretty ballad that closes the album and leaves you begging for more of the same. Despite the appeal of her tuneful, rockier songs, ‘Gold’ really shows what a distinctive and exceptional singer Aubrie is. ‘In Honour’ is where Aubrie updates the sixties girl-group sound for 2013 and makes it sound so natural and effortless. It’s another slice of pop perfection. At a perfect eight songs long there is no place for filler, although one wonders if after two excellent albums if Aubrie could ever write merely a good song. Everything she has released so far has been excellent, but there are moments of sheer genius, ‘Tonight At Ronnie’s’, the duet with Rob Ritchie, is not only a touching song about the London Aubrie obviously misses. It is the most inspired coupling of male/female voices since MacColl and MacGowan. Three years down the line and ‘Fingers Crossed…’, the debut that introduced us to the talents of Louise Aubrie, has lost none of its initial charm; with ‘Time Honoured Alibi’ Aubrie has confirmed that she has plenty more where that came from, and with songs as strong as those featured on this latest album she’s going to be an artist to follow with interest.

Track Listing:-

1 Where Are You
2 Lovestruck
3 Keep It Coming
4 Circuit
5 Tonight At Ronnie's
6 The Seams
7 In Honour
8 Gold

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/louiseaubriemusic
http://www.louiseaubrie.com/

interviews

Interview (2019)

Malcolm Carter speaks to London singer-songwriter Louise Aubrie about her new solo album 'When I Don’t Love You I’ll Let You Know’ and the surprising influence of Cary Grant on it.

Interview (2013)