Reese McHenry rocks.
Reese McHenry is one of the great undiscovered talents in rock music. Her recorded output is rare and hard to find - Champions of Imperfection is the first full-length release I've come across. Like a rocked-up, guitar-wielding Janis Joplin, she pushes the boundaries musically and lyrically. This band is a revamp of the original two-piece Dirty Little Heaters, expanded into a full ensemble, and there's definitely no harm done by filling in the spaces. What really carries the band, though, is Reese's voice, which is nothing but pure sexual rock-and-roll energy. Though this album comprises just nine quick songs, her range is amply in evidence from the slow-and-loud blues of "Amelia" to the manic rocker "Save Me" to the almost-moaning croon of "White Flag.” The only downside - depending on your taste - is the decidedly low-fi recording which unfortunately means vocals are lower in the mix than I'd like. Champions of Imperfection is a great little record - hopefully the first of many.
