As a musician it's hard to be impressed by much, especially when you have at least one competitive bone in your ego less body as I do. Cresta came across my desk many moons ago, and I've been so swamped with my own band, that I hardly paid attention to the ever growing pile of CDs to listen to and talk to you fine human beings about. That is, until today.

I popped the disc into my machine, and was immediately struck by the excellent production quality, which was done at Jenny Esping's (vocals, guitar, keyboards) home *!*. I, of course, began the "sounds like" game. I found it somewhat hard, but there are some Madonnas and Blondies in there, but most definitely not in the negative, seeing as I hate Madonna's work for the most part. The arrangements are equally beautiful and rocking - just enough rock to keep a guitar guy like me interested. Interspersed within the songs are small pieces of electronic sound that add texture to the sprawling rhythms. Thick, slabby bass (courtesy of Puppy Rogers) throbs ominously in the background, taking breaths and pauses to give the songs an almost airy percussiveness. It's good pop with and edgy guitar sound, mixed in with a bit of a dance club vibe, ala Republica or Garbage. The rhythm section is solid (drums by Mr. Robert Anderson) and compliments the angelic angst of Ms. Esping.

The hotspots for me are "Been Down", a rocking, rollicking cut that gives Republica a run for their money, and "Trick", which could easily fit onto the soundtracks for "Can't Hardly Wait" or "Scream" as a replacement for the nameless sh*t on them now. Good pop chops mixed with excellent vocals and insightful lyrics. Highly recommended.