by John Mizer
July 15, 2005

Some artists occasionally have the tendency to be too smart for their own good. Prince and Radiohead are the first that come to mind. I was reminded of this trait with Esthero's Wikked Lil' Grrrls. Having done a few E.P.s and some soundtrack work since 1998's trip-hoppy Breathe From Another, Esthero's latest disc is not short on ambition and yields many strengths. Stylistically, the disc is all over the place and it generally works. Esthero's vocals are less ethereal this time out and impresses with her eclecticity. The use of horns pump life into many of the songs as do many of the guest performers. Wikked Lil' Grrrls sometimes feels like the actual music takes a backseat to the concept, moreso the attitude. This is a good album that could have been great.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5