Neko Case Catches Lightning In a Bottle With Middle Cyclone

Twelve years after her emergence as an aspiring singer/songwriter, the New Pornographer Neko Case released Middle Cyclone on March 3. The pressure was on since this was her much anticipated follow up to the critically acclaimed Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (2006). Like each of her previous releases, Middle Cyclone exemplifies Case's development as a songwriter and vocalist. Long-time fans will notice a transition from the "Country-noir" she became known for to a more accessible sound that she developed from her time with the New Pornographers. Fortunately, accessibility does not mean a decrease in quality; it is quite the opposite. Case hones her "Country noir" sound into strong, catchy melodies that will satisfy her previous fans and gain new listeners. Cyclone does not have a weak song on it, something that kept her previous albums from being true masterpieces. "This Tornado Loves You" kicks the album off by comparing the dynamics of a relationship to a natural disaster. This song sets the musical and thematic framework for the rest of the album, presenting her signature country-pop blend with images of nature and love.

The nature theme continues with the catchy single about caged animals turning on their captors, "People Got a Lotta Nerve." While holding the most successful hook on the album, it displays the enormous influence the New Pornographers had on her writing.

While Case does show her ability to write up-tempo songs, she still knows how to sing the slower ones. "The Next Time You Say Forever" and "Poor Nettles" intimately capture her voice, showing the full range of her dynamics.

Case continues to show her range by providing two covers. The most notable is her cover of Sparks' "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth." The song fits thematically on the album, and Case manages to make the song her own.

The two songs that are arguably the most impressive come near the close of the album--"Prison Girls" and "Pharaohs." "Prison Girls" brings back the pure "Country-noir" sound on which Case built her reputation. Her haunting voice accompanied by reverberated guitar creates an atmosphere that allows the music to embody the lyrics. On "Pharaohs," Case demonstrates the best vocal and songwriting performance on the album. This song about over-romanticized love captures her voice at its boldest soar and its quietest whisper in what appears to be one of the best choruses she's ever written.

The main weakness with Middle Cyclone occurs on the final track, "Marais La Nuit." While fitting in with the theme of nature, this track is a 30-plus minute recording of crickets and frogs. While some may find it relaxing, the length is pointless since nothing happens, and it takes up almost half the length of the whole album.

Middle Cyclone proves that Case is a formidable songwriter and arguably one of the best voices in the music industry. The album is not a legitimate Grammy contender since it will not reach the media notoriety the awards ceremony expects, but Cyclone will at least be in the discussion for Album of the Year. Many did not believe that she would be able to improve over Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, but she has. The exciting part is that she's still growing as a songwriter.

9.0 out of 10

Key Tracks: "This Tornado Loves You," "People Got a Lotta Nerve," "Magpies in the Morning," "Prison Girls," "Pharaohs