Glitter Noir

Timelessness can only be created by having an intimate relationship with the quality itself: knowing its nuances, studying the decades, embracing past/present/future selves and eons of style. Reading the hieroglyphs of emotion and channeling them forward through a particular avenue of time-space to encompass the feelings perceived.

In late December 2006 I was introduced to Abby Travis, an earthy yet glamorous Los Angeles chanteuse whose music resonates with this spirit, infused with timeless artistry and sequined soul. Decade-dence via music.

"I love above all the style, the decadence of glam rock."

One glance at the artwork on Abby Travis' latest release, 'Glittermouth', confirms her declaration with the feathers, the headdresses, the gorgeous vintage corset, makeup and hair style of an old-school movie starlet. However, the combination also reveals an amalgam of an integrated and uniquely created persona. This is definitely one rock gal who knows how to class up the joint beautifully.

And the music…

The tracks on 'Glittermouth' abound with appetizers that teasingly hint at cabaret, French pop, 60's girl group harmonies and even trip hop. But yet the meat and bones of the songs weave in and out of 70's glam rock and Beatles-esque melodies, flirting again with a few of Travis' musical roots and influences.

She recalls her favorite records at around 13 or 14 years of age: David Bowie's 'Diamond Dogs', Lou Reed's 'Transformer,' and early Prince albums.

"I remember sneaking out of the house in the suburbs and hitchhiking into Hollywood to The Odyssey, a teen dance club…kids with their pink and blue hair, I felt at home," remembers Abby, "and that's all still working into the music now."

Abby's newest musical entity mirrors what the artist herself always tries to create -- "Beautiful melodies, beautiful harmonies even if on the darker side."

Even though each song is its own persona, its own reflection of a part of Travis' personality and style, there is still a lovely continuity that flows like a slowly poured vintage wine. Woozy intoxication included.

Partnering with longtime collaborator Kristian Hoffman (Klaus Nomi), she states that she is continuously finding her own voice after years of performing with artists as varied as The Bangles, KMFDM, Beck, Exene Cervenka and other rock luminaries.

Speaking of her voice, she feels that it just keeps getting better as she ages, a refreshing statement amongst the pop tarts in Hollywood whose collagen injected faces might melt at such a proclamation.

One of my favorite vocal tracks on the album is the opener, 'Now Was.' Not only is her voice dripping with honey coated emotion, but where else can you hear someone so eloquently baa like a sheep while singing gloriously subversive lyrics? And the hot guitar solo doesn't hurt, either.

Guitar, vocals, keyboards and programming are all part of Abby's arsenal of talents, but it's the bass that will always be her first true love. Take one listen to 'La Petite Mort' which is co-produced by LaMont Hyde (Dr. Dre). Trippy, trip-hoppy and with a decidedly sophisticated urban groove that is funked up each time her cascading bass line swings its hips into the song.

"I really enjoyed playing bass on that song, because I love playing funky bass.
I was trying to emulate the sound of drum and bass music."

The song "Grace" also displays a subtle and incredibly melodic, rootsy vibe that reflects her early Paul McCartney influences.

Abby's theatrically-based stints at the legendary Club Makeup and Mata Hari in Hollywood and even her experience playing with KMFDM contribute to a more grandiose showmanship when she's playing her music live.

"I always want my performances to be more than just going to see a band play, I like that old-school kind of entertainment" she confides.

Come see the spectacle for yourself on February 23 at Safari Sam's. Abby & her band will be opening for Bauhaus guru David J. who also appears on Abby's album. The central theme of the evening will be the infamous Black Dahlia murder/mystery and Abby will sing a song with David during his set. Once you're hooked, also stop by the seminal Bar Sinister on March 10 where she will also be performing.

And on a lighter note, browse the Abby Dearest section on her website and send her a question…as multi-leveled as this artisan is, I'd bet her crystal ball might have an answer for you. Her music surely will.

www.abbytravis.com
www.myspace.com/abbytravis