Hunting My Dress

There are moments when Hunting My Dress feels like the sonic equivalent of stumbling into a pissed-up house party curated by a coven of bat-shit crazy witches. There are yelps, howls and intentionally daft lyrics a-go-go (“I’ve got demons/ When I need ‘ems”). But it is much more than that too, going from cool and atmospheric folk to bold and dramatic gothic rock with impressive confidence. Thus, it comes as no surprise to learn that Tom Waits has had a hand in Ms Hoop’s career thus far.
Jesca started out life as the nanny to Tom’s kids and the master of glitter and doom helped nurture Jesca, bringing her to the attention of the outside world. It was a smart move. For starters, Jesca has a fine and expressive voice and there is an impressive groove on the likes of the intricate and smartly arranged opening track ‘Whispering Light’. On ‘Angel Mom’, Kate Bush is an obvious influence but not to the point of suffocation. And the vocal and guitar interchanges on the Guy Garvey-assisted ‘Murder of Birds” are quite beautiful.
Refreshing and beguiling, Hunting In My Dress is an indication of what can be achieved when a singer really lets her imagination run wild. Check it out.
Key Track: ‘Murder Of Birds’