The Lady in Red

“It’s like a hillbilly party ‘round a fire, isn’t it?” she shouted over the fiery resonance of Goat Boy’s copper cylinder-induced instrumentals. Her raspy, beer-soaked voice ricocheted off the walls as she approached the chorus. The long red dreads gathering on her shoulders made her look like a modern Medusa. Accompanied by Jeff, a guy who dressed like a midnight trucker, but showed he was worthy on a 1950s Dobro, they were like two beautiful stomach bugs that made their way to your insides.

Dallas Frasca is a great independent blues and roots act, and after touring with Xavier Rudd, and collaborating on My Own Eyes, she’s certainly gained a following. Chatting with her and Jeff afterwards at their little merch table made me feel like I’d known her my whole life. I believe I acquired at least three hugs also.

Often compared to Janis Joplin, she can turn on the intensity like a switch, with a voice so strong that you could probably hear every word perfectly without the microphone. She was probably lead vocals in some Neo-Feminist metal band during her high-school years, but then later found her niche and grew dreads.

Her latest album snatches its title from the pumped-up, knee-slappin’ly good Learn Your Routes, which is sure to become a roots anthem at some point in the future. The album also features an intense acapella addition entitled Don’t Let No-One, which she used to closed her recent show at the Troubadour. If you're in the mood for something more sedated, then have a listen to Thirst For Your Love, but either way, be sure to catch all the crazy folk-rock roots business when the duo come back later in the year for another round.

Dallas Frasca and her Gentleman: they’re like the dirty, dried-up scabs that you can’t help picking at.