So Much Trouble

Continuing to distance herself even further from the jazz-pop chansons of her father Jacques Higelin and brother Arthur H, 21-year-old French vocalist Izia's second album, So Much Trouble, is a relentlessly intense affair that suggests her "wild child of Gallic rock" reputation is entirely justified. Channeling the rebellious spirit of Patti Smith, the dramatic style of Siouxsie Sioux, and the whiskey-soaked vocal presence of Janis Joplin, Izia tears her way through the primitive post-punk of the title track, the groove-laden blues-rock of "I Hate You," and the menacing grunge of "I Can Dance" with the gusto of a woman possessed, while the constant stream of Led Zeppelin-esque riffs, flashes of psychedelia, and primal garage rock beats reveal that her professed love of vintage '70s rock wasn't just hollow talk. A few more melodic offerings showcase a slightly softer side, such as the floaty chanteuse style she adopts on the angular indie disco of "Penicilline," the sweeping orchestral finale on the gothic early PJ Harvey-inspired "Twenty Times a Day," and the slinky but sinister minimal lounge-pop of "That Night." But Izia is a much more captivating prospect when she appears to be unleashing her inner demons, whether it's on the furiously percussive "Top of the World," the Morricone-meets-the Strokes vibes of "She," or the raucous rock & roll of "Your Love Is a Gift." In other hands, So Much Trouble could well have been merely a transparent attempt to leave any family connections behind once and for all, but instead it's an authentic and passionate homage to an iconic rock era that firmly establishes Izia's attitude-laden credentials. ~ Jon O'Brien