This is interesting, to say the least, a curious combination of rhythm, sound effects and electronica. The first impression for this listener is that I haven’t heard anything quite like it. It is similar to some other performances, though. Some of the electronic might be compared to Ghislain Caya at first, if not in actual sound, perhaps in the musical approach and the effort to communicate with a unique language.

Dillenger’s Web site, however, lists Citizen Savant, Loewenhardt and Facial Vision similar artists as. I’ll buy that without much bartering, because Caya’s efforts are less rhythmic overall. Tags hung on the music of Bette Dillinger include experimental and electronic, which are accurate. The description “pixies palace,” works as well. Tom Waits as an influence is a bit harder to understand, but maybe we’ll have to listen a bit more closely or get some more experience with Dillinger. The song “I Put a Spell on You” takes the listener part of the way into the rhythmic, vocal music realm. Suffice to say that Dillenger’s treatment of this classic rock tune will thrill some and cause a slight raise of the eyebrow for others.

Some listeners will latch onto “Hope Against Hope, Johnnie” as the best work from this artist. It’s almost something new.

Bette Dillinger on MySpace

Tags: bette dillinger, indie music, indie, music, independent music