The Ettes - Wicked Will

The Ettes (great name, by the way) are a garage rock three piece from LA with five albums under their belt. It's 2/3 women, which explains why I haven't heard of them before. And while no-chick-music is a general good rule of thumb; I'd say I've missed out here.

The album opener is a Nancy-Sinatra-like acoustic strut, showing an influence perhaps to their move to Nashville. But that's where they pick the acoustic up for the last time. The songs all are formed with a basic structure. A bass riff followed by that late '60s garage rock reverb filled guitar. Simple thumping drums and plenty of tambourine. As a vocalist, Lindsay Hames can sound like a snottier Ronnie Spector and other times a snottier Wanda Jackson.

To that end, "My Heart" is a highlight where the Ettes get out of the strictest of garages and make a little twang rock. It's got the spunk of Wanda Jackson, and I'm sure they're hoping that Jack White is listening.

It's all mostly good, if it keeps itself from being a necessary listen. Sure, the album barely breaks 30 minutes, but at 13 songs, I could still suggest to throw out two to keep them free from the repetition feel. (3 of 5 stars)