On the flip side, Whittle began performing in college,
taking on covers from the top singer/songwriters of the day like James Taylor,
Joni Mitchell, and Linda Ronstadt. She then took to music as a sideline to her
marketing job, performing in multiple bands and even scoring an opportunity to
work with Heart guitarist turned solo performer, Roger Fisher. Along the way,
she joined up with the Seattle-based pop folk band, Shades of Red, leading to
Adamek calling in 2010.
That call led to the two teaming together and the evolution
of their debut recording, Zombie Lover.
Produced and arranged by Adamek, the seven-track recording a slice of the old
and the new, blending a couple of older recordings, such as “Keep Your Eyes on
Your Heart” and “Fire,” from the artist’s Allies days, and blending them
together with more contemporary fare like the hip-hop mix of “I Just Can’t
Breathe.” Undergirding the arrangements are classic 80s elements that support
the entire project and lend it a sense of nostalgia.
Those 80s influences are readily apparent from the start as
the title track bursts forth with throbbing bass and drum notes, recalling
great metal riffs as Solveig’s strong vocals emerge and step to the forefront,
sexily slinking through the lyrics with ease. Adamek creates some ample space
for Solveig and she takes full advantage of it before seguing into the
strangely ambient sound of “Creation.” Another 80s-flavored track backed by
filling keyboards and programmed beats that fall on both sides of the equation,
both good and bad depending upon who’s listening.
The duo’s cover of The Allies’ “Keep Your Eyes on Your
Heart” is a solid success, however, the acoustic intro pressing into the
thumping bass notes of the full verse, Solveig’s vocals accented by Adamek’s
harmony vocals, providing some needed emotion and texture while some electronic
samples, ala Alex Clare’s “Too Close,” lend the track even more gravitas. Yet,
the band’s true highlight here comes with the following track, “I Just Can’t
Breathe.” Opening with a moody acoustic tone, guest vocalist, UltraLOVE
(Michael John Wagner) steps in with a slightly distorted vocal as he channels
his version of Eminem while Solveig plays the femme fatale, crooning in and
out. The arrangement is beat heavy and filled with crunchy electronic elements
that draw you in. It’s easily the highlight of the record.
“Fire,” another Allies cover, finds Solveig and Stevie
blending their voices again to solid effect, the harmonies providing a sense of
lightness juxtaposed against the darker electric guitar and keyboard fills
while “Waiting on the Thunder” falls back into Solveig’s wheelhouse, the
R&B influenced jam providing her the acoustic space to let her vocals shine
and they do. It’s subdued but beautiful but finds itself marred by a somewhat
abrupt fade out at the end, leading into the closing track, “Menta E
Rosmarino,” a cover originally performed by Zucchero. It’s a classic 80’s
ballad, emotive keyboards building the platform for Solveig to soar but is
marred somewhat by elements of flute that take away from the darker tones of
the track.
Solveig and Stevie are a tandem that boasts years of
experience between them and on Zombie
Lover, much of that experience comes to bear. The two sound great together
and Adamek’s arrangements are solid although sometimes they fall on the side of
being almost too eclectic, leading listeners to question what direction the
band is really heading. But while there are a few hiccups along the way, the
duo provide enough sound material here to warrant a second listen and to build
some anticipation for more.
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