ALBUM REVIEW: "Strange World" 

Sharon Coates

"Strange World"

Self-released

sharoncoates.bandcamp.com

Some artistic types have an itch to express what's inside with whatever is their chosen medium. Sharon Coates must have a rash as she requires multiple disciplines: musician, glass artist, landscape artist. Her new CD, "Strange World," is kind of a landscaped affair with its big room and bigger sky feel. Sure, reverb helps to make statements like that valid and literal, but not everyone can paint with sheer emotion and vocal chords. Coates is one of those artists that can.

Coates mixes influences liberally, from rootsy singer-songwriter on the album's opening track, "It Was Me," to the gentle girl group grind of "My Own Tune," as well as pop and garage rock — dig the early Jefferson Airplane edge on the cut "8 Minutes." Lyrically, Coates isn't stuck in the love and love lost lane, instead she opts to initiate a conversation with Darwin. There's an overall pop rock continuity running throughout "Strange Worlds," and the production is sweet thanks to Dave Drago, who recorded the project at his 1809 Studios. This one is a gem.