Blanche - If We Can't Trust The Doctors

  by Geraint Jones

published: 27 / 3 / 2004

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Review

Disregarding their geographical origins somewhat, Blanche, hailing as they do from Detroit, demonstrate a more than passing affinity for Southern Gothic traditions. Co-fronted by Dan John Miller (guitar & vocals) and wife Tracee Mae Miller (bass & vocals), their dynamic is reminiscent at times of a slightly askew hybrid of Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood and the Handsome Family. Whilst Tracee Miller’s spookily hushed and slightly detached vocals are a treat, used too infrequently, by comparison Dan Miller’s vocals are less distinctive and there’s a smidgen of suspicion they might be a little affected at times. But these are really both minor criticisms. Augmented by Lisa ‘Jaybird’ Jannon on drums, Patch Boyle on banjo and autoharp and Feeny on pedal steel, the band have been attracting almost as much attention for their associations as for anything else. The album, their first, was co-produced by Brendan Benson and also features a guest appearance on recent single ‘Who’s To Say…’ by Jack ‘Doc’ Gillis, formerly guitarist in both Dan Miller’s cult psycho-country outfit Goober and The Peas and the later 2 Star Tabernacle. Perhaps now better known as Jack White, the White Stripes even covered the song on the flip of last year’s single ‘I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself’. Blanche's music, however, is just fine too and whilst a few choice friends and endorsements can help, the band are more than good enough to survive on their own merits in the longer term. Maybe it’s not a great debut but it’s certainly a good one. Slightly eerie, off-kilter Americana it reveals itself to possess plenty of charm over time and any band showing the good taste to cover the Gun Club – here a take of ‘Jack On Fire’, from their debut – deserves utmost respect. Their own songs are fine too – ‘So Long Cruel World’ a particular stand-out, but for me the band are at their most effective and affecting on their reading of the traditional ‘Wayfaring Stranger’. This album is well worth a listen and a band well worth watching out for. Trust me.

Track Listing:-

1 (Preamble)
2 Who's to Say
3 Do You Trust Me?
4 Superstition
5 Bluebird
6 So Long Cruel World
7 Another Lost Summer
8 Jack on Fire
9 Garbage Picker
10 The Hopeless Waltz
11 Wayfaring Stranger
12 Someday

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