(RCA)
Instead of not judging books by their covers, maybe we should establish the new rule to not judge an album by its first two tracks. Those from Hammer would make it all too easy to put a label on Zoe: yet another angry woman with a vengeance on men ("if I had a hammer, I'd hit you on the head"). These two rock tracks aren't bad at all, though, they have plenty of hit potential. But they could easily lead to the wrong impression that Alanis II is approaching.
Much of the rest of the album goes along much more peaceful waters. There are many ballads with a definite folk feel, like the outstandingly beautiful "Virgin Snow". A celtic touch can be felt all through the album, most pronounced on songs like "I Once Loved A Lad". Only two tracks sound somewhat like commercial compromises. One is the dance oriented "Early In The Morning" which sounds quite trendy, but does very well at it. Another one, "Reach Out", has very clear traces of the Bristol sound that seems to creep in everywhere.
Zoe's voice doesn't sound spectacular at first sight, but it's likable and expressive. Combined with excellent song writing, tasteful arrangements and the fine production by Killing Joke (!) bassist Youth, this makes for a terrific album. It's not only the quantity (67 minutes) that is remarkable about this album, but also the quality of Zoe's Hammer. Highly recommended!
