Anomalia is the 6th release from guitarist/vocalist Jane Getter with support from all-star core band including Adam Holzman (keyboards), Stu Hamm (bass), Chad Wackerman (drums), and Mark Egan (bass) & Gene Lake (drums) also contribute. Getter’s compositions cross a number of styles performed to perfection. What ultimately stands out is the quality of the songs, memorable, tuneful, and diverse. The opening “Kryptone” is full of angular King Crimson style riffing as the band is joined by guitarist Alex Skolnick (Testament), trading off solo’s with Holzman and Getter over the muscular crushing rhythms. Not only is Getter an excellent guitarist, she excels on lead vocals too. “Lessons Learned” has a Steven Wilson feel with Holzman’s stabbing Rhodes work as the song takes a bit of a darker mood towards the end, and then shifts to a bluesier feel with the organ taking center stage. Randy McStine (vocals) and Vernon Reid (Living Colour), join on “Dissembler” for another moody grooving jam. Guitar lovers will drool over this one, as Skolnick also climbs aboard for another go round. Reid provides some left of center soloing, his trademark unrestrained and fiery playing are allowed to soar. “Alien Refugee” leads off with acoustic guitar (which is featured often on the CD), and adds a nice change of pace. McStine and Getter trade vocals here and their voices blend well together. A more laid back tune, Getter takes some tasteful leads throughout, as the song builds to a lush conclusion. “Still Here” has an atmospheric touch to it, with a melody that I can’t shake. The solo section again features a Skolnick/Getter duel, give me more please! What does stand out is how important Holzman is to these songs, adding his deft touch in support, or jumping out for a solo; he knows how to elevate the songs. “Answers” should be on the radio, with Chandra Rule’s soulful vocals, and Holzman’s organ lifting the beautiful hook laden chorus to great heights. The instrumental “Queen Of Spies” offers another earworm melody from Getter, and “Disappear” keeps things moving, another great track. Getter closes things out with a solo acoustic guitar performance on “Safe House”. This one will be staying in the player for a while, and is one of my favorites for 2021 so far this year.
Track List:
1. Kryptone (4:37)
2. Lessons Learned (5:08)
3. Dissembler (6:17)
4. Alien Refugee (5:28)
5. Still Here (6:42)
6. Answers (4:51)
7. Queen of Spies (4:26)
8. Disappear (5:37)
9. Safe House (2:08)
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