Rasputina's supernatural approach in making music is impressive, because it's independent of the goth rock that came before the band and especially alone in the current mainstream. It's practically primitive, but positively so.
Cabin Fever,
Rasputina's third studio album, casts a dark dreamscape of lush string arrangements and grating cellos, and
Melora Creager's sinister scowl is at its best. The pseudo-classical chaos of "AntiqueHighHeelRedDollShoes" and "Thimble Island" is invasive and the metal distortion of "Sweet Water Kill (The Ocean Song)" struts with
Siouxsie Sioux appeal. K. Cowperthwaite and Nana Bornant complete the trio's fascination with 19th century imagery, and the band's typical musical menagerie of psychosis ("Cross Walk") and humor ("PJ + Vincent & Matthew + Bjork") isn't terribly melancholy. "A Quitter" captures the band's unique sound structure: It's charming with a dream pop aesthetic; however,
Rasputina's finer moments sustain a soft spot for a romantic fabliau. "The Hunter's Kiss" plays around with that notion with its twirling cellos and storybook lyrics. The goth rock element shifts once again, and
Cabin Fever suggests that
Rasputina's corsets aren't too tight. ~ MacKenzie Wilson