Who Killed Amanda Palmer?
Amanda Palmer might be the new Tori (Amos, that is, not Spelling). And before you roll your eyes, let me explain. With her main gig drummer Brian Viglione injecting some testosterone into the mix, the front woman for the Dresden Dolls sings about heartache, bangs on a piano, and is not without fantastical tendencies. Saying she’s the new Tori is a complement to her talent, in addition to a comparison in methodology.
Not to say Palmer’s creative juices aren’t forceful, but there is a theatrical balance in the Dolls. With Who Killed Amanda Palmer, she is free do delve into pop, ballad and cabaret without feeling pressured to punkify the feminist anthems. Obviously, she thinks the Dolls’ sound is specific and sacred, and with her first solo outing, she is free to explore.
With songs like "Ampersand," "Astronaut" and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "What’s the Use of Wond’rin’?" (from "Carousel,") it is obvious there was a need for another outlet. The make-up filled stage wear of the Dolls is wiped off to reveal a tender side that is both soft and raw.
Inspiring a league of young women to break out on their own is nothing new when it comes to female performers breaking the mold. However where Tori Amos is now a one woman Spice Girls, Amanda Palmer is coming out swinging on a feminist chariot.
